Kenneth Keber Obituary

Kenneth Earl Keber, 76, of Fairbanks, Alaska, passed away on June 15, 2025.

Born and raised in Fairbanks, Ken graduated from Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Arizona. After high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy on Aug. 31, 1966, serving as a plane captain aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany and the U.S.S. Roosevelt during the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge, Ken returned to his hometown of Fairbanks, where he began a long and distinguished career in public service.

In 1971, he began working as a security officer at Alaskaland before joining the Fairbanks Police Department later that year as a patrolman. Over the next two decades, Lt. Keber rose through the ranks with dedication and distinction, serving as a detective, sergeant, first sergeant, and ultimately being promoted to lieutenant in 1978. That same year, he became a certified police instructor and, in 1981, graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. He retired from the FPD in 1990 after nearly 20 years of honorable service to the community.

That same year, Ken began a second career with American Guard and Alert as a security officer. He was deployed to assist in the Exxon Valdez oil spill response during the summer of 1990. Later that year, he returned to Fairbanks to provide security for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, a role he held with great commitment for 23 years.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Joella Keber; his children, Allen Keber, Adam Keber (Lindsay), Aaron Pletnikoff (Tara), and Jeremy Pletnikoff (Jasmine); and his grandchildren, Kyler, Ava, Anastasia, Kadence, Isabelle, Emma, and his great-grandson, Sheldon.

In addition to his professional dedication, Ken was deeply passionate about his family and Alaska's outdoors. He cherished time spent fishing with family in Valdez, enjoyed a good round of golf, and was actively involved in the community through coaching hockey. His love of horses and long-standing interest in sled dog racing reflected his deep appreciation for Alaska's culture and heritage.

He was known for his calm demeanor, strong moral compass, and unwavering dedication to service. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, both in uniform and beyond.

A public viewing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Chapel of Chimes in Fairbanks, 415 Illinois St., followed by a burial service at 2 p.m. at Northern Lights Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Binkley Room at Pike's Waterfront Lodge.