Mike Stepovich

Michael Anthony "Mike" Stepovich (March 12, 1919 – February 14, 2014) was an American lawyer and politician. Stepovich from 1957 to 1958, served as the last Governor of Alaska Territory.

Mike Stepovich
Governor of Alaska
In office April 12, 1957 – August 1, 1958
Lieutenant	Waino Hendrickson
Preceded by	Waino Hendrickson (Acting)
Succeeded by	Waino Hendrickson (Acting)
Personal details
Born	Michael Anthony Stepovich (1919-03-12)March 12, 1919 Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.
Died	February 14, 2014(2014-02-14) (aged 94) San Diego, California, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Matilda Baricevic
Alma mater	University of Portland Gonzaga University University of Notre Dame

Stepovich was born to Michael and Olga (Barta) Stepovich in Fairbanks, Alaska on March 12, 1919.^[1] He studied at the University of Portland, at Gonzaga University, and at Notre Dame Law School. Stepovich was married to Matilda Baricevic until his death in 2014.

Following his education and military service during World War II, Stepovich created a law practice in his home town of Fairbanks, Alaska and began his political career by winning three terms in the Alaska Territorial legislature.

During his term as governor, he was a leading advocate in the effort to gain statehood for Alaska. Following Alaska's admission to the union, he made an unsuccessful run for a U.S. Senate seat and two unsuccessful attempts to be elected Governor of Alaska.

He was hospitalized after suffering a head injury on February 8, 2014 as result of a fall while visiting his son in San Diego, California, aged 94.^[2]