John Minnick

John Minnick

June 3, 1947

March 4, 2022

It is with great sadness the Minnick family of Wasilla announce the unexpected death of John, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather.

John was born June 3, 1947, in Everett, Pennsylvania. John and his family arrived in Alaska April 1, 1955. He joined the Navy on April 1, 1966 and served on the U.S.S. Hancock and the U.S.S Joseph Strauss. He did three tours in Vietnam and was honorable discharged on April 16, 1970 and returned home to Wasilla where he met and married his wife Alice of 52 years.

Member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars had approached John and encourage him to join. John served as Post Commander three terms, Department Commander for the State of Alaska in 1998-1999 and National Chief of Staff under Gary Kurpius. John’s dedication and commitment to the VFW was unwavering.

John managed Cottle Texaco for three years and then joined the Operating Engineers Local #302, where he worked to help build many roads in Alaska.

One winter, unemployed, a close friend encouraged him to take over and buy A-1 Pawn Shop in Anchorage. Fourteen years later and he said I am moving the Pawn Shop to Wasilla, Alice replied “We are going to starve to death.”

John is preceded by his parents, Jack and Mildred; sister, Sandy, brother, Danny. He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Lynda (Kent), Terry (Mike), Ted, Jay (Emily); brothers, Paul (Diane), Terry, Shane and sister Judy; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and numerous family members.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26th, 2022 at VFW Post home 9365 at 2pm.

John dearly loved his family. Pappy will forever be missed and loved.