Lee Ray Adler, age 89, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 14, 2025, at the Glendale, Arizona home of his son, Carl Adler, surrounded by family.
Born on March 14, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Lin and Edith Adler, Lee’s life was defined by service, adventure, and commitment to his community. He is survived by his daughter Amy, son Carl (Kath), grandchildren Samuel, Clydde Vincent, Clark Justin, and Mark James, and his sister Linda (Dick). He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Melita in 2015, his sister Shirley Anderson, as well as his beloved son Eric in 1999.
Lee began his career with service in the United States Air Force, stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, from 1955 to 1958, where he was a member of the Strategic Air Command High Power Rifle Team. After his military service, he graduated from the University of Idaho in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Range and Wildlife Management from the College of Forestry.
Lee’s professional journey took him to the Bureau of Land Management, where he worked in Colorado and Alaska. In 1969, he and his family moved to Glennallen, Alaska, where he spent many years helping shape the management and protection of the region’s lands and wildlife. Beyond his work with the Bureau, Lee was a pump station operator for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and a land manager for Ahtna, Inc. He also established Glennallen Appraisal in 1984, serving the local area as a real estate appraiser.
Lee married Kathleen Hanisch in June 1964 in Waterloo, Iowa, and together they raised their children, Amy, Eric, and Carl. He later married Melita Gan in 2002, sharing many happy years until her passing in June 2015.
Lee was an avid hunter and private pilot, owning two airplanes and spending countless hours flying over the Copper River Basin. He enjoyed taking friends and family on sightseeing trips and flying into remote hunting areas. Lee also volunteered his time for search and rescue operations with the Civil Air Patrol. His love for the Copper River Valley, where he resided since 1969, was evident in everything he did.
Lee was a man of deep faith and follower of Christ, rooted in his Catholic faith. He was an active member of the Glennallen Catholic Church.
Lee’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his close friends and neighbors who helped him in his later years, granting him the ability to remain in his home for as long as possible.
Catholic services and a celebration of Lee’s life are being planned for summer of 2026.
