Race Judge Al Marple holds Jason Barron’s lead dogs during Jason’s brief stop to check in at Shageluk. Photo © Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com
Allen Ray Marple (72), passed away on July 23 2016 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage.
Al was born on May 6, 1944 in Fergus Falls, MN. He grew up on a farm in Grant County, MN before his family moved to Duluth, MN where he graduated from Clover Valley High School in 1962.
Allen, a humble man of faith and integrity. A loving husband, father and grandfather, honest to a fault and patient, an avid gardener and woodworker, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family.
He joined the Army in 1963, and after a stint in South Korea, he was stationed at Fort Richardson Army Base. While in Alaska, he met the love of his life, Beverly Henson and they were married on May 31, 1968.
They lived in a tiny cabin in Chugiak until their two babies came along, then built a log home there. They eventually moved out to Wasilla where Allen built their home that they lived in for 40 years.
Allen completed the Alaska Carpenters Training Progam in 1970. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 1281. Al’s handiwork can be seen in many of the commercial buildings from Anchorage to Wasilla, including Big Lake Baptist Church, his Church of 40 years.
Al built dog sleds and took pride in his craftsmanship. These Marple sleds were used by mushers throughout Alaska and are still sought after today. Two of his sleds were used by winning Iditarod teams.
He raced and completed the Iditarod in 1976. He then served on the Iditarod trail committee and as Race Judge or Race Marshall for most years since. He was involved with the Jr. Iditarod with his son from it’s inception. He was on the Board of Directors and for many years he built sleds to gift to the 1st place musher.
He was sought out as a judge and Race Marshall for other races such as the Copper Basin 300 and the John Beargrease (MN). He was a fair man with a calm demeanor even under the stress of marathon racing.
This beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother is survived by his son Matthew (Eva) Marple, daughter Eve (Mike) Brueggeman, Grandchildren:Destiny, Kade, Kolten, Edenrose, Mandy, Brian and Taylor and seven great grandchildren, Siblings: Joan Moldenhauer, Darwin Marple, Tammy Morse, Thomas Marple and Kurt Marple, Brother-in-law Wayne Henson. Also his Nephew Brian Henson and Niece Sally Laughmiller whom he helped raise.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Alice Marple and his brother-in-law Vernon Moldenhauer.
The service will be held for Allen at Big Lake Baptist Church on Saturday, July 30th at 4:00
Please send flowers to Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla, Ak and Donations go to Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Acct #14531.
*Al and Bev Marple were honored by the Junior Iditarod as Honorary Mushers for 2010 Jr. Iditarod. Al, a former Iditarod musher, was instrumental in organizing the Junior Iditarod back in the early 80’s. As a carpenter, Al handcrafted and donated many famous Marple Sleds as prizes to Junior Iditarod Champions. Al has served as a race judge and marshal, insuring the Junior Iditarod went well for the young mushers. He’s also served on the Board of Directors for the Junior race and has filled numerous other volunteer positions. Al is credited with knowing how to make things work, keep the race going, and he knows how to be fair without causing problems. He can stand outside in the worst weather and call it fun. Al has shared his racing expertise outside of Alaska by serving as a race official for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northern Minnesota. Bev, Al’s wife, has over the years been an important contributor to the banquet, a vital volunteer at Headquarters, and has spent countless hours gathering prizes for the junior mushers. Together the Marples have contributed toward making Iditarod what it is today. By Terrie Hanke (from 2010 Jr. Iditarod Race coverage)
Paul Gebhart talks with race judge Al Marple at the Nikolai. Photo © Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com
