Wallace Merrill Jr.
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2023 in Palmer, Alaska with family by his side.
Wally was born to Lois and Wallace Sr. on May 19, 1958 in Nome, Alaska.
Wally graduated from Nome-Beltz High School in 1976. While in high school, Wally participated in several sports including wrestling, NYO and basketball. In his senior year, the Nome-Beltz basketball team won regionals and state championships. After high school Wally worked various jobs in construction, truck driving and heavy equipment operator at Q-Trucking and KNIK, and was a well-known cab driver.
Wally also volunteered for the Nome Volunteer Fire Department for a brief period.
As a young adult Wally enjoyed carving ivory, as well as hunting and fishing with his siblings. Wally and his siblings were always up for an adventure, walking the hills around Nome.
In his spare time, Wally played pool and darts winning numerous of the local tournaments in Nome. He loved being out in the country doing family outings and going on picnics.
Wally was a kind person to all that he knew and met. He enjoyed seeing people happy, and was protective of everyone, especially his family.
Wally is survived by his wife Fredrica “Sweetie” Merrill, his children Sharon and Jerry Aningayou, Michael Bergamschi and Darlene Olanna, and his baby Maxine Soolook; his grandchildren Chelsea and Keith Shelton, Elena "Apaay" Campbell and Simber Koonoka-Apatiki, Lucas Aningayou and Myra Seppilu, Cody Aningayou, Roy, Marlissa, Terri, and Nico Bergamaschi; great grandchildren Axel and Xander Shelton, Rylan Campbell and Lura Seppilu-Aningayou. His siblings Sharon Lock, Cheryll & Lloyd Wherry, Raymond Merrill, Mary "Christine" & Wallace "Utch" Amaktoolik, and Gary Merrill. Nieces and nephews: Annette, Wayne, Brenda, Doris, Amanda, Art, Lisa, Shannon, Ean, Debra M., David, Christine, Kevin, and Debra R., and Annie. Wally had many great nieces and nephews, and countless extended family.
Wally is preceded in death by his parents Lois Baum and Wallace Merrill Sr., brothers Richard Merrill and Herbert Gregg; grandparents Bert and Laura Merrill, and David and Irene Joe; and the mothers of his two daughters Sally Campbell and Kimberly Soolook.