JOHN M. ESHLEMAN

Wasilla resident John Michael Eshleman, 52, died Aug. 1, 2010, in an airplane crash at Denali National Park.

A celebration of life will be Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Wolf Lake Airport in Wasilla.

John was born Sept. 20, 1957, at Elmendorf Air Force Base. He was a 1975 Service High School graduate. He was the owner of Steppers Construction. He sponsored Colony High School basketball, and volunteered time and materials for many community service activities without desire for recognition. His special interests were aviation, classic car restoration and military history.

His family said, “John, aka ‘Esh’ or ‘The Head Stepper,’ was a proud father, a committed husband and always lived life to the fullest in every venue.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Alice Eshleman.

Survivors are his wife, Dr. Barbara Doty; sons, Casey and Conner Eshleman; and daughters, Kristen and Jesse Eshleman, all of Wasilla; brother, Bob Eshleman of Sterling; and sister, Robin Eshleman of Anchorage; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alaska Airmen’s Memorial, Wolf Lake, set up in the name of John Eshleman at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.