Obituary

Earl Nelson Benitz, Junior, was born on November 23, 1940, in Petersburg, Alaska. Growing up in Petersburg he spent his summers fishing on his dad's boat, the F/V Baranof. After graduating from Petersburg High School, Earl attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he obtained a teaching degree. A proud alumnus, he took a teaching position in Cordova, Alaska, 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 back in Petersburg.

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. But, marine biology was his favorite class to teach as he especially enjoyed taking his students on beach walks during the minus tides. Mr. Benitz, as he was affectionately called, was a popular teacher. He was sincerely proud of his students and they returned the sentiment with a "Mr. Benitz Day." As he got older, he treasured the times students who'd graduated long ago sought him out for a visit.

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."

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

He was preceded in death by his sister, Anita Loseth, and his brother, Bruce Benitz.

Earl is survived by his wife, Mary; his boys, Alan and David and their families; his brothers, Bill and Bob Benitz.

A celebration of life will take place at Outlook Park in Petersburg on Sunday, May 18th from 2 – 6 p.m. Please come to say hi to Mary while we all share memories of Earl and enjoy an informal barbecue.

Earl's ashes will be spread up his beloved Stikine River in July.