Jack L. Stephl

John L. (Jack) Stephl, 84, died Dec. 16 in Wasilla.

He was born May 26, 1928 in Wauwatosa, Wisc., the son of John and Margaret Stephl.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he drove from Wisconsin to Fairbanks in 1949, the first year the Alaska Highway was open. Jack attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks from 1951 to 1955, during which time he played hockey four years for UA’s Polar Bears, met and married Arlene Wright and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He was a residential building contractor in Anchorage, Girdwood and Hawaii’s Big Island in the 1960s through 1970s and best known for designing and building unique, practical homes and ski chalets that had a recognizable style.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Jack was an active member of the Anchorage Curling Club. He was on Alaska’s winning curling rink (team) that represented the state three different years in the U.S. Men’s Curling Championships when the championships were played in Illinois, North Dakota and Massachusetts.

In Anchorage, he played defense for Hohn Plumbers and York Steel hockey teams.

Jack, a private pilot for 53 years, enjoyed flying his Piper PA-11, moose hunting with his sons and boat building.

He was predeceased by his young son Tom, brother Paul and grandson Zane Stephl.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene, sons Matt (Barbara), Chris (Carmen), Dan (Angela), and grandchildren Rachel, Wes, Jake and Rebecca Stephl.

The Stephl family will have his celebration of life June 8 at Big Lake.