John Frederick Demming

John Frederick Demming, 56, died June 12, 2012, at his Wasilla home.

John was born in Palmer on July 14, 1955, to Annie and Richard Demming, their third son and fourth child. He grew up in Palmer and attended local schools, graduating from Palmer High School in 1973.

When he was a young boy and adolescent, he loved Boy Scouts, baking, cooking, making things — including model rockets — and ice skating. He graduated from Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyo., where he completed a program in automotive mechanics.

His work history was extensive and began as a chainman for his father’s surveying business when he was in high school. After trade school, he returned to Alaska and worked at Don’s Automotive, commercial fished out of Valdez, was a clerk for Mat-Su Supply, serviced drill equipment and welded for the U.S. Public Health Service, was shop foreman at Terra Flex Alaska, shop foreman at Redi Electric, heavy equipment mechanic at Matanuska Electric Association and master mechanic and welder for Quality Asphalt and Paving.

In 1996, he opened and operated his own shop, Demming Enterprises LLC, which performed earthwork, heavy equipment repair, pile-driving, fabricating, trucking and dock construction. He thoroughly enjoyed working for himself and dealing with his customers.

Most years, John went moose hunting at his favorite place in the Gulkona Drainage area. His two passions were flying his J3 Cub on floats and deep sea diving. He spent his free time barbecuing with family and friends, playing pool, riding his motorcycle, waterskiing and snowmobiling.

Surviving are his mother, Annie; daughter, Christina; son, Gregory; brothers, Bill and Charlie; sister, Valerie; and grandchildren, Austin, Kyle and Katlyn.

John’s celebration of life is at 2 p.m., June 30 at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 North Barry’s Resort Dr., Wasilla, followed by a potluck dinner.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory Wasilla.