Obituary — Richard Harren
Richard Louis “Dick” Harren, 71, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born on July 23, 1954, in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, to Joseph and Jeanne Harren, Richard grew up in a lively, close-knit family as the second oldest of ten children.
Richard graduated from Red Lake Falls High School in 1972 and Saint John’s University in 1976, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science. At Saint John’s, he lettered in hockey for three years — a sport that he continued to enjoy throughout his life. In July 1976, Richard moved to Alaska with his brother John, eventually settling in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, where he raised his family and built a career serving individuals, families, and small businesses for more than four decades.
He began his professional life in accounting, becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1979, and later earned his law degree from the University of North Dakota in 1982. He practiced law in Wasilla with integrity, generosity, and tenacity. As one of his colleagues said, “He was the kind of guy who liked helping people who needed help,” and he never shied away from hard cases.
Richard was deeply committed to community service. He supported numerous local and national organizations, including the Rotary Club of Wasilla, Ducks Unlimited, and the United Way of Mat-Su, where he served as board president in 1995.
Hockey and the outdoors remained lifelong passions. He was an avid moose hunter and angler; he founded the Wasilla Outdoor Youth Hockey Association, coached youth hockey for twenty years, and hosted the annual Salmon Cup tournament.
Richard’s greatest pride was his family. He was married to Suzanne “Suzy” Chapelle for 33 years, sharing a life rooted in love and adventure. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill. Richard is survived by his wife, Suzy; daughters Cynthia Koons and Rebecca (Nick) Maslar; sons Wendell (Katie) Harren, William Harren, and Russell Harren; grandchildren Adalynn, Quincy, and Emerson; siblings John, Jeanette, Jaci, Sue, Mark, Sheila, Pete, and Paulette; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Richard will be remembered for his creativity, steady presence, generous heart, love of the outdoors, and enduring belief in the dignity and goodness of people. His legacy lives on in the family and community he loved.