Tarri Lee Thurman and Marlon Prazen

Tarri Lee Thurman (68) passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 12, 2025 at home in Homer, Alaska. Her loving husband, (Jon) Marlon Prazen �� (65) passed away at home the following day on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Married for over 26 years, they were partners in every sense of the word, sharing a life, a family, a community, and a lifelong passion for their craft.

Through Moose Run Metalsmiths – owners/artists Marlon and Tarri were a beautiful addition to the Homer, Alaska art community. Through their relentless hard work, non-wavering endurance to their ecological beliefs and love for nature, over the years they converted from metalsmith “hobbyists” to professional commercial artists promoting their beliefs in conservation, joy, and kindness to all of nature, wanting their work to be touched and enjoyed for many generations to come. They were also known for offering their shop as a performance space for numerous musicians passing through the area.

Tarri was born on August 24, 1957, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Originally starting her career as a hairdresser in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she moved to Alaska in 1995. From there, she worked a variety of jobs from backhoe operator to arborist to pizza maker until she shifted to work full time in the metal shop. In addition to her metal art, Tarri was also known for her beautifully curated garden outside their shop. Tarri also proudly served a term as board president for Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic.

Marlon was born November 19, 1960, in San Diego, California, and brought a background in metalsmithing to the partnership. He was born with a passion working with metal as a fourth-generation metalsmith. Marlon started with a hammer in his hands at age 10, learning from his father, John F. Prazen, and building skills through activities that were always centered around the family’s metal shop. Marlon served honorably in the U.S. Navy for four years, eventually moving to Alaska and working at Homer Brewing Company before starting Moose Run Metalsmiths. Marlon was featured, along with Tarri, in a segment on HGTV’s Modern Masters as a master metalsmith.

Marlon was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carol Prazen, and a brother, Randy Lee Prazen. Marlon is survived by his sisters, Shannon (Dave) Prazen of Magna, Utah, S. Machele (Kenneth) Sandoval of Mesquite, Nevada; brothers Mark D. Prazen and Adrian A (Rachel) Prazen, both of Salt Lake City, Utah and dearly loved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Tarri was preceded in death by her parents, Sharon (Stewart) Johnston and Werner Thurman Jr., stepfather, David S. Johnston, and stepsister, Mariea Copeland. Tarri is survived by her children, Neileigh Regets and Max Regets; dear grandchildren, Kaylee McCarthy and Tobias (Tye) McCarthy; sisters Parri (Michael) Gignac of Bellewe, Michigan, Carri (John Rohr) Thurman of Homer, Alaska; brothers Stewart (Mary) Thurman of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Werner “Charlie” (Angela) Thurman Ill and Charles “Ben” Thurman, both of Mount Clemens, Michigan, and William Johnston IV of Houston, Texas; stepsister Shellie Benson of Battle Creek, Michigan, and dearly loved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, all a part of her expansive hugs of love circle.