JOHN VANGLE BOZINOFF SR.

Longtime Alaska resident John Bozinoff, 82, died at his home in Wasilla on September 6, 2005.

Born in Jackson Michigan, Feb. 17, 1923, John went to school at Jackson Technical High School and completed his apprenticeship at Potts Machine Tool Company as a tool and die maker. He married Emma Hizelberger on Friday, July 13, 1951, and they moved their families to Alaska in 1952.

Mr. Bozinoff worked various jobs in construction, including the Eklutna Tunnel project, the gas pipeline clearing between Kenai and Anchorage, and the construction of a portion of the Parks Highway. He owned and operated an LCM watercraft that was used during the Exxon oil cleanup. He commuted to Anchorage, where he was employed by the Alaska Railroad as a machinist for 20 years before retiring in 1983.

Mr. Bozinoff pioneered the building of Pittman Road in Wasilla, where he and his family homesteaded and farmed. He was a member of the Matanuska Maid Farmers Co-op, and his farming included growing grains, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, apple trees, raising pigs, and he always had a personal garden and greenhouse. The family had great respect for his green thumb and his desire to pass along his gardening knowledge to friends and family. He was also well known for passing out pens to all he encountered in many of the local establishments.

Mr. Bozinoff is survived by his wife, Emma Bozinoff, his children Richard and James Vesterfelt, Carleen Freeman, Linda Plumley, Ken Bozinoff, Susan Frisby, Jo Frisby and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, John Bozinoff Jr.

Friends who wish to attend the celebration of John's life are welcome to attend open visitation at 1 p.m. Sept. 10, followed by services at 2 p.m. at the Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., in Wasilla. All are welcome to join the family in a time of reminiscence following services at the American Legion Post 35, Mile 46 Parks Highway.