Obituary

April 5, 1966 - June 1, 2013

Remember that fellow whom you would meet on the docks or see walking on the sidewalk? Who always had a smile, a wave, or a good word for you and always had a helping hand for you? That fellow was Kevin Kivisto.

He was born on the fifth of April 1966 in Upper Michigan (a genuine Yooper) to Roy and Irja Kivisto. He left us suddenly on the first of June 2013 on the boat he captained and the ocean he loved.

His early years were spent in Northern Michigan growing up along the shores of the Great Lakes, where he developed his love of the water. He left Michigan when he was twelve years old leaving many close relatives and friends. His new home became Petersburg, Alaska. He attended Petersburg High School, graduating in 1985. Kevin was a state class wrestler, winning the Coach’s Medal his senior year. He also played in the band and raised hell with his many friends. After a trip that included; Fiji, Australia, Europe, and Scandinavia he enrolled in AVTECH in Seward to study marine diesel mechanics. Kevin returned to Petersburg where he began his career on the water, first with commercial fishing on many vessels and with numerous crewmates, then tugs, and finally earning his dream job as Captain of the Fish and Game vessel the Kestrel.

He met Kim Bergeron in Seward and the two eventually married and had three children, Miranda, Keith, and Rhiannon. His endless love extended to rats, cats, dogs and birds. We think we should include fish tanks too. He loved fiercely and with passion. Kevin was a truly devoted family man and his family was his life. You could not have a conversation with Kevin where he wouldn't bring up his family and what they were up to. He was so proud of his children when they were doing anything. When they had a setback as all kids do he would help them with a good word and maybe deserved dicipline.

Just being outdoors was Kevin’s solace. Loading up friends and family to camp, hike, and sojourn in pursuit of adventures. Thomas Bay on his boat the Saranac with friends and family was his ideal vacation. Whether it was hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, cutting fire wood, or just going for a ride out the road Kevin was one with the outdoors.

During Kevin's years in Petersburg he had many passions. In his early years you would see him as "Bjorn Free" in his furs with his Viking brothers Pete and Andy pillaging the town and consuming usually all too much grog during the Little Norway Festival. Kevin was a mainstay at Moose Camp and could keep a fire going as long as you kept him in wood. His latest passion was belonging to The Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department as an EMT. In a very short time he worked and studied his way to become an EMT II. He was so proud to serve the community as an EMT and was always willing to study and practice his skills when he was in town. One of Kevin's greatest passions was his loyalty to the Green Bay Packers. If Kevin ever cut his finger I am sure it bled green and gold. This is something he passed on to his children and they will be loyal Packer fans for life. Even Kim though from Lower Michigan saw the light and was right there with her Packer jersey on. He will be dearly missed this fall when hunting and football seasons roll around.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Roy Kivisto and his nephew, Taylor Ryan Kivisto.

He is survived by his wife, Kim Bergeron Kivisto and their three children, Miranda, Keith and Rhiannon all in Petersburg; siblings, Dulcey (Alan) Kantola in Rudyard Mich., Jeannine (Eric Holmund) in Sitka, Kurt (Sharon) Kivisto, Lorene (Joe) Bertagnoli; and their mother Irja Peterson in Petersburg, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins spread far and wide and countless friends.

Kevin's infectious smile will be missed by the so many lives he touched. WE don't know what life will bring, so it is what you bring to life that matters. He brought so much to this life in his time here.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the

family at an account set up at First Bank.