John Paul LaVarnway

January 01, 1947 - January 12, 2026 Longtime Wasilla, Alaska, resident John Paul LaVarnway, 79, passed away at home surrounded by family on January 12, 2026. John was born January 1, 1947, in Plattsburgh, New York, the youngest of five children. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Environmental Science and Forestry. Prior to graduation, he accepted a position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. Driving his red 1971 Mustang, he traveled cross-country from Dannemora, New York, to begin his career. He later pursued graduate study at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizing earthquake and geotechnical engineering. John married Mary on August 20, 1977, and celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in 2025. In 1982, he joined USDA Rural Development in Palmer, and in 1983, they built their home in Wasilla. After 33 years improving Alaska’s infrastructure - including medical facilities, roads, airports, housing, and water waste-water systems - John retired with gratitude for the work he loved. John and Mary enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, with John visiting all 50 states. He outfitted their 37-foot Winnebago with ham radio equipment, connecting with operators across the country. His call sign was KL7E. The highlight of his radio experience was when his SteppIR antenna allowed him to converse with a scientist in Antarctica also with a SteppIR antenna. John flew their Cessna180, especially through the breathtaking scenic valley sunsets with his IFR rating, and with wheel on skis landed at Denali basecamp. After attending the 2005 Christian Men's retreat, John revealed to Mary how he was inspired to return the 180 to God. They agreed to dedicate it to mission medevac service in South America. It was significantly modified for jungle flying. A devoted member of Palmer Seventh-day Adventist Church, John served in church, school, and community ministries. He cherished daily worship with Mary and loved studying Scripture. Known as a “teddy bear" to some, he was loving, patient, forgiving, generous, quick to help others, quietly paid for strangers' meals, and assisted those in need. He believed everything belonged to God. Even as Parkinson’s disease progressed, John remained faithful and determined. He sought not physical healing, but spiritual clarity to live daily, fully for God. He is survived by his wife Mary LaVarnway; children Amy, Joe, and Alyson LaVarnway; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Bertha LaVarnway, and siblings Bob LaVarnway, Barbara Mero, Bill LaVarnway, and Marilyn Beck. Joe will scatter his ashes on top of Lazy Mountain within the view of Palmer Airport. A Celebration of Life will be held February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Palmer Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2238 S. Inner Springer Loop, Palmer. Reception to follow.