DENNIS DON JASKULOSKI

Wasilla resident Dennis Don Jaskuloski, 72, died of lung cancer at his home on April 2, 2005. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., today, at the American Legion Post #35 in Wasilla. Pastor Dawson Lindblom will officiate.

Mr. Jaskuloski was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Minneapolis. He served in the Army from 1950 to 1953, during the Korean Conflict in the 2nd Division of the 23rd Infantry E Company. He earned the Bronze Star and a Korean Medal during his service. He was a disabled American veteran.

Mr. Jaskuloski was a logger until he joined the Local 49 Operating Engineers. He moved to Alaska in 1981 and joined the Local 302 Operating Engineers, from which he retired in 1993. Upon retiring and up to his death, he owned and operated D.J. Snowplowing & Northern Lights Pilot Car Services.

Mr. Jaskuloski enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, traveling, and performing mechanical and small engine repair. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla.

His family wrote, "Dad enjoyed spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren. Dad was quite the jokester and prankster. He made so many people laugh and smile. Dad always went out of his way to help others. If it was broke, he would come up with some kind of fix. It amazed everyone what he could do with his mind and hands. Dad built his dream home in 1997 in Wasilla, which, in his heart, will always house the ones he loves. We all love you, Don, Dad and Grandpa, but God loves you best. You will always be in our hearts and souls and prayers."

His mother, Eva Klodninski; father, John Jaskuloski; sisters, Marie and Lucille Mieszczur and granddaughter, Angela Osborne, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Donna Jaskuloski of Wasilla; sons and daughters-in-law, Don Jr. and Rosalyn Jaskuloski of Des Moines, Iowa, Dale and Jackie Jaskuloski of Wasilla, Delbert and Phoung Jaskuloski of Utah, Duane and Beth Jasco of Minneapolis, Randy and Tina Pratt of Hoyt Lakes, Minn., and Tom Pratt of Makkinen, Minn.; daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Mike Majkich of Hibbing, Minn., Doreen and Eino Hill of Makkinen, Minn., Melony and Russell Dye of Anchorage, Lorrie and Brian Richins of Idaho, Tammy Pratt of San Francisco and Victoria and Todd Wohlers of Wasilla; 34 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.