Whitey Risteen, Former Sitkan, Dies in Arizona
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- Category: Obituaries
- Created on Monday, 27 November 2023 11:41
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Francis Albert “Whitey” Risteen
Former Sitkan Francis Albert “Whitey” Risteen passed away peacefully at his home in Yuma, Arizona, on November 15. He was 89.
He was born December 4, 1933, in Avery, Idaho, to Clarence and Helen Risteen. He graduated from Potlatch High School and went to work as a logger in Avery.
He married Donna Schwartzman in 1954 in Potlatch, Idaho, and they moved to Sitka in 1964 where Whitey went to work at Alaska Lumber and Pulp Co., eventually working his way up to welding foreman.
He lived life to the fullest in Sitka, working, fishing and hunting in Sitka and Tok. He coached Little League and was a founder of the Sitka Sportsman’s Little League team.
He liked boating and picnics with family and many friends, enjoying Alaska’s beauty and people. He played Santa for Santa’s Helpers and had a boat in the Christmas boat parade, and was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge.
Whitey was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, and his son Scott Anthony Risteen.
He is survived by his wife Darlene; son Rick Risteen (Rayna); daughter Cleo A. Boatwright; granddaughters Lisa Matthai and Stacey Lekberg; grandsons Joel, Wade and Toby Risteen; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
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20 YEARS AGO
October 2004
Photo caption: Historian Bob DeArmond sits next to a July 4, 1913, photograph of Alaska Territorial Gov. John F.A. Strong at the dedication of the Pioneers Home. DeArmond, who attended the 1913 ceremony, will give a talk on the Pioneers Home Saturday.
50 YEARS AGO
October 1974
Andrew John Hope III, 24, has been selected as one of three Alaskans named as Outstanding Young Men in America for 1974. Hope, the son of Mrs. Christine Littlefield of Sitka and John Hope of Juneau, was graduated from Sitka High in 1967. ... He is presently attending Sheldon Jackson College.
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