Jonalynn Helminiak

Long time Wasilla resident Jonalynn Helminiak passed peacefully in her sleep on February 15, 2023 at the age of 86.

Jonalynn was born April 16th, 1936 to Grace Hopkins of Detroit, Michigan and John Bannerman of Scotland. After marrying James Helminiak in 1965, they resided in Dundee, Michigan until their move to Alaska in 1972. The move was to fulfill their dreams of owning their own saw mill and logging business, known as Bald Mt. Lumber.

Jonalynn and Jim had 4 children, one daughter and three sons, 17 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters making this a 5 generational family, all residing in Alaska.

Jonalynn loved reading, playing cards, camping and spending time with family. In her later years she started a career as an Administrative Assistant working for Alaska Association Conservation and retiring at the age of 75.

Jonalynn is survived by her sister, Deloras Dusseau of Adrian, Michigan and brother, Carl Geisler of Chelsea, Michigan; her children, Deborah Miller (Jack), Jack Merryfield, James Helminiak Jr. (Mary), and Ryan Helminiak; her grandchildren, Heather Jackson (James), Amber Voorhis (Nick), Jared Brown (Mae), Danielle Johnson (Justin), Adam Miller (Heather), Abby Merryfield, Moses Merryfield, Brandon Welsh (Elizabeth), Brittany Tompkins (Jeremy), Lia Nichols, Joey Nichols (Crystal), Lyndsey Pritchett (Craig), JamieLynn Helminiak, Steve Helminiak, Olivia Helminiak, 37 great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters.

Jonalynn’s Celebration of Life will be held at Amvets Post 9, 1591 Creste Foris St., Wasilla, on March 5th 2023, at 3pm.