Tamara Von Gemmingen
Story Created:
Feb 29, 2008 at 9:41 AM AKDT
Story Updated:
Feb 29, 2008 at 9:41 AM AKDT
Anchorage resident Christoph Theodor von Alvensleben, 25, died Feb. 15, 2008, at Turnagain Pass.
Christoph was born April 1, 1982, in Wiesbaden, Germany. He continued to be a German citizen and a permanent resident of the U.S. since 1982.
He was a graduate of Dimond High School and received a welding certificate from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2003.
Christoph worked as a shipping supervisor for International Compounding Services (2001-2006), a warehouseman for Unitech (2001-2003), a floorman for Kuukpik Drilling (2006-present) and a professional/sponsored snowmachine rider (2003-present). His hobbies included snowmachining, snowboarding, skateboarding and welding/design.
Christoph was a member of St. Mark and Gloria Dei Lutheran churches (1985-present). He was also in the Boy Scouts of America (1990-2000), where he was patrol leader for Troop 129. In 2000, he was awarded Eagle Scout.
His family said: "Christoph had the amazing ability to relate to and bring together people of all ages and walks of life. His love for family was intense, but those he counted as his friends became his extended family as well. Challenges fascinated him, especially when they seemed unreachable to others, and he set out to conquer them by using his intelligence and amazing ability to focus.
"His career as a professional snowmachine rider was taking off and included numerous film appearances as well as starring roles. He loved the mountains and spent his happiest moments riding a 'blue-bird' day with his closest friends.
"He was a talented artist and gifted drafter and enjoyed developing his skills as a welder. Christoph was a loving brother, remarkable son and incredible friend. His heart and passion for life will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have met him."
Christoph is survived by his father, Constantin von Alvensleben; mother, Christine von Alvensleben; brother, Johannes von Alvensleben; sister-in-law, Stacy von Alvensleben; and sisters, Camilla von Alvensleben and Julia von Alvensleben.
Memorial donations may be made to the Christoph von Alvensleben Memorial Fund (2246575613) at any Wells Fargo Bank. Call Johannes von Alvensleben at 1-206-949-4439 for more information
