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March 30, 1928 - April 13, 2025
David John Psenak passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 97. The son of John and Margaret (Pohanceny) Psenak, he was born in Madison, Ohio on March 30, 1928.
Dave honorably served our country in the US Army. On March 28, 1949, he married Mary Ruth Harris, and they settled in the Jefferson, Ohio area. They were blessed to celebrate 71 years together until Mary passed away in 2020.
Dave went to work for Reliance Electric in 1950. In 1959, Dave and two friends from Reliance Electric went on a six-week hunting trip to Alaska where he fell in love with the state. Finally, in the summer of 1969, he and Mary decided to pursue his dream of living in Alaska and started the long trip north. By early fall they had settled in Palmer, Alaska and Dave went to work on the North Slope. In 1971, Dave started and owned Psenak Construction for many years.
Dave is survived by his children: Vicki Psenak of Austinburg, Ohio; Jim (Juhree) Psenak of Palmer, Alaska; Sharon Psenak of Sequim, Washington and Dale (Brenda) Psenak of Palmer, Alaska. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Julianne Simon of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Kristie (Tara) Coleman of Walla Walla, Washington; Jamie (Brian) Psenak-Horcsik, Mark (Jen) Psenak, Kenni Linden, David (Kylie) Psenak, Miranda (Jimmy) Isaacs and Joe Psenak, all of Palmer, Alaska. Dave was affectionately known as "Grandpa Great" to sixteen great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his niece, Carol Siler.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother and sister-in-law Edward and Mary (Mae) Psenak, his sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Boyd Siler and his nephew, Paul Siler.
We wish to extend a special thank you to Dale and Brenda Psenak for providing the love and daily care our father needed over the last five years to achieve his goal of living in his own home until his passing.
At the convenience of the family, Dave will be laid to rest with Mary in the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.