Farm Island resident Earl Nelson Benitz Jr. dies at 84

Earl Nelson Benitz Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on April 23, 2025, in Petersburg at the age of 84. He died peacefully with family by his side.

Earl was born on Nov. 23, 1940, in Petersburg. He grew up in Petersburg, fishing during the summers on his dad's boat, the Baranof. After graduating from Petersburg High School, he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he obtained a teaching degree.

"He was always proud of his alumnus status," his family wrote. He took a teaching position in Cordova, where he and his bride, Mary Lou (McKibben), started raising a family. After several years he was able to get a job teaching high school sciences in his hometown.

Earl enjoyed teaching science to kids. He especially liked doing experiments that got the students excited about learning. He enjoyed a good explosion as well as the next person.

"Mr. Benitz," as he was affectionally called, was a popular teacher. He was always proud of his students and they returned the feeling with a Mr. Benitz Day. He loved it when long-graduated students would seek him out to visit. Earl really enjoyed his beach walks on the minus tides for marine biology class. It was his favorite class to teach.

Not long after retirement, Earl and Mary moved up the Stikine River to live full time at their homestead on Farm Island. Earl loved the freedom of running the Stikine, where he was able to pursue his passion of photography full time. As the years went by he liked to say, "I've been retired longer than I worked," his family wrote.

Earl is preceded in death by his sister Anita Loseth and brother Bruce Benitz.

He is survived by his wife Mary; sons Alan and David and their families; brothers Bill and Bob Benitz.

There will be a celebration of life at Outlook Park in Petersburg on Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. It will be an informal barbecue. "Please come and say hello to Mary and share your stories. Earl's ashes will be spread up his beloved Stikine River in July."

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Mary Benitz, at the Petersburg Medical Center, P.O. Box 589, Petersburg, AK 99833.