Vivian Peterson Kirkevold
August 12, 1922 – March 25, 2022
Vivian Lorene Peterson Kirkevold passed away peacefully at her home in Chugiak, Alaska where she resided with her daughter, Greta H. Kirkevold since 2012.
Vivian was born on August 12, 1922, in Springfield, Illinois and raised in Virden, Illinois. She was the second of four children born to Henry and Beatrice (Dawson) Peterson.
In 1946, at the age of twenty-six, Vivian traveled to Juneau, Alaska from Illinois. She adapted remarkably well and eventually married Willy H. Kirkevold in 1952. Together, they had four children: Clay, Greta, Heidi, and Heather.
Vivian worked for the Territory and State Department of Health and Welfare as a vital statistician. When she retired in 1975, Governor Jay Hammond, Congressman Don Young and the 1977 State Legislature commended her for her years of service, stating in part.
“Vivian Kirkevold has served the Territory and State of Alaska from 1949 as a vital statistician; and … her work has earned a commendation from the Governor of Alaska and a special recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for the contribution she made to the record-time completion of the Alaska Native enrollment.”
– State of Alaska, The Legislature 1977, HRC 28 LRN 23.
In the late 1970’s, Vivian started up the Auke Bay RV Park. This, she said, was the most enjoyable and rewarding experience she ever had. She was interested in everyone she met; where they were from and where they were going. While being an owner of the RV park presented ever-changing challenges, she did her best to provide for those that stayed there. It was a sad day for her when she sold the park in 2012.
When Vivian left Juneau, she also left behind a memorial to her daughter, Heidi H. Ausec, who died in 1996. In cooperation with the Catholic Diocese of Juneau, she worked with Architect, Rich Conneen to design a cabin for the National Shrine of Saint Therese. This cabin was later named the “Little Flower”. It was built with the intention of being a place of rest and reflection for couples.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Beatrice Peterson; her ex-husband, Willy H. Kirkevold; her children, Heidi H. (Gary) Ausec and Clay H. (Vangie) Kirkevold. her siblings, Wilbur K. Peterson, and Wanda (John) Hein; She is survived by her sister, Cynthia (Jack) Keirs; her sister-in-law, Rigmor (Anders) Bergsholm; her children,
Greta H. Kirkevold and Heather H. (Jerry) Olson; her daughter-in-law, Vangie (Clay); five granddaughters; five great-grandsons; along with nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her and will miss her.
“My mother was a good listener, a good friend and generous to many.” –Greta Kirkevold
To Donate
Make your checks payable to: Juneau Community Foundation, 350 North Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau, Alaska 99801. Please call us at 907-523-5450, or email info@juneaucf.org for information on donating stock, wiring funds, establishing a Fund, or naming the Juneau Community Foundation in your will as a designated beneficiary. This fund is a Donor Advised Fund and therefore is not able to accept Qualified Charitable Deductions from IRAs.
