Distinguished Alaskans Aid Foundation as '98ers

The foundation is a non-membership corporation that depends on services provided by its officers and directors, others interested in Alaskan mining, and on donations and grants.

The Foundation is especially indebted to 24 persons who have each contributed $1,000 to become 98'ers, in honor of the first stampeders to Alaska in 1898 at Nome.

The '98'ers (current through January 2017.)

Dr. Earl Hoover Beistline (d)James Moody (d)
Cheryl BradleyJohn Mulligan (d)
Jason BrunePatrick O’Neill (d)
Thomas BundtzenJeanne Ostnes and Tim Benintendi
David and Patricia CarnesLarry and Darlene Peterson
Glen Chambers (d)Elmer E. Rasmuson (d)
Doug Colp (d)Irving Stoy Reed (d)
Asle Eikeland Family Margaret Cox Rich
Karen EricksonWilliam Stroecker (d)
Don and Carolyn GrayWilliam Stroecker Foundation
Karl and Nancy HannemanTaiga Mining Company
Wendell Hammon Jr.Teck Alaska Resources
Dr. Charles Hawley (d)Dr. Robert Trent (d)
Dr. Walter Johnson Mitch and Michele Usibelli
Sonny LindnerJoseph E. Usibelli (d)
Shirley LissUsibelli Foundation
Lyndon TransportTeresa Chepoda Usibelli
June and Norm McAteeCandy Waugaman (d)
Wallace McGregor (d)Dr. William Wood (d)
Neil McKinnonDr. Kenneth L. Zonge
Tom Mein
Clark and Karen Milne
(d) deceased

Most of the 98'ers are recognizable as miners of national or international reputation. The late William R. Wood was President, Emeritus, of the University of Alaska. Dr. Wood suggested the organization of the Foundation. The late Elmer E. Rasmuson was an Alaska banker and benefactor, long interested in Alaska natural resource history. Dr. Walter Johnson knew many pioneer Alaskans. His research has taken him to Sweden and Norway in search of the true story of the so-called "three Lucky Swedes" of fame at Nome.