Steve L. Rhyner
Former Sitkan Steve L. Rhyner passed away at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 15, 2021. He was 71.
Steve, born July 28, 1949, spent his early childhood in Anchorage, where he graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1967. He attended Community College of Spokane in Washington, then later moved back to Alaska and began working for radio stations, beginning in Sitka at KIFW, where he was a popular announcer, including on Problem Corner, and became the manager.
Steve devoted almost his entire working career in the radio business, and was with Alaska Broadcast Communications Inc. for almost 22 years. After leaving Sitka, he managed KINY of Juneau and its subsidiaries, and KTKN of Ketchikan. He managed KBDB/KBIS of Forks, Washington, then owned his own station, KFMJ, in Ketchikan.
Steve was a hard worker and would always show up to work well before the staff did in the early morning hours. He was a professional in his career and always put his best foot forward. He recently moved to Las Vegas, to finally settle down.
Steve enjoyed watching the news, reading books and – his favorite – cooking for his family. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile.
Steve is survived by his family, including his wife Evelyn and her children, Cristina and Timothy; his children, Steve Rhyner Jr., Nicole Tibbitts and Alexis Rhyner; his brother Richard Rhyner and his children; and his stepmom Angie Rhyner.
Steve’s wishes were to be cremated without a formal service. Part of his ashes will be honored with his wife Evelyn, and part of his ashes will be spread in Sitka later in the year.
