John G. Huizenga

Wasilla resident John G. “Big John” Huizenga, 53, died March 8, 2013, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

A celebration of life was May 11 at Lake Hills Baptist Church in Schererville, Ind. In early August, a celebration of life is planned at Sunny Knik Chapel, 10774 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road, Wasilla, with Pastor Duane Guisinger officiating. His ashes will be scattered at Hatcher Pass.

John was born May 9, 1959, in Highland, Ind. He graduated with the class of 1977 from Highland High School.

“John was always looking for adventure. That love of life is what brought him to Alaska in 1989,” his family wrote. “We were blessed to have him home; back in Indiana most Augusts. When John was asked by friends and relatives how he felt to be back home, he would reply, ‘I’ll let ya know when I get back there (Alaska).’ He was always kind and loving and will be dearly missed.”

Psalm 27:4 says: “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Surviving are his sisters, Diane (Ron) Kaufman of Schererville, Ind., and Sue (Terry) Culbertson of Schererville, Ind.; brother, Nick (Mary) Huizenga of Highland, Ind.; niece, Katie Culbertson; nephews, Nick Huizenga and Kyle Jasin of California; uncles, Nick (Alice) Wyma of Mount Home, Ark., and Bob (Irene) Huizenga of Highland, Ind.; many other aunts and uncles in Michigan and Illinois; and friends, Heather, Joe, Evan, Donelle and Reina of Wasilla.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Helena Huizenga; stepfather, Gene Sarkey; grandparents, Henry and Matilda Huizenga and Nick and Helen Wyma; nephew, Korey Koch; and niece, Angela Hurtt.

Memorial donations can be made to Sunny Knik Chapel or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 278, St. John, Ind., 46373.