Jonathan David Wackler
Soldotna resident Jonathan David Wackler died Thursday,
May 10, 2001, at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage, Ala. He was 44.
Memorial service were held at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 19,
at the Orca Lodge in Soldotna. Mr. Wackler's ashes will be scattered in
the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Mr. Wackler was born Sept. 1, 1956, in Champaign, Ill.
He went to elementary school in Thomasboro, Ill. He then went to high school
in Rantoul, Ill., and Fort Collins, Colo.
Mr. Wackler moved to Fairbanks in 1977. While in Fairbanks,
he worked as a pipe fitter for Local No. 375. In 1978, he joined Tulsa Local
No. 798, and was still a member.
In 1985, he moved to Soldotna. He continued to work for
Tulsa Local No. 798, and in 1989, he also began working as a Kenai River
fishing guide.
Mr. Wackler was a lifelong member of the Missouri Synod
Lutheran Church. He came to
Alaska for the love of the outdoors. He was
also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers. He
had a deep love for music, particularly Motown and funk.
His family said, "Jon, known by many as Big John,
will be remembered for his zest for life and his insistence on living it
on his own terms. He was generous in thought and deed, and had a deep abiding
relationship with his God. As he wished, his organs and tissue were donated,
so others may live longer and better. Jon will be missed by all. He was
a devoted son, loyal brother and uncle, and a special friend to many."
Mr. Wackler is survived by his father, Rev. M. E. Wackler
and his mother, Geraldine Wackler, both of Missoula, Mont.; brothers, Dan
of Eugene, Ore., Joe of Soldotna, and Tom and Tim, both of Missoula, Mont.;
a sister, Jane Curtis of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and 15 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian
Children's Fund, c/o Orca Lodge, P.O. Box 4653, Soldotna,
Alaska 99669.
Arrangements were made by
Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Jon was the grandson of the late Ed and Frances Wackler. |
