Jonathan Stensaa

Wasilla resident Jonathan Stensaa, 33, died at his home June 20, 2011, from complications of diabetes.

Funeral services for Jonathan are at 11 a.m., Saturday at Valley Funeral Home Chapel 151 E. Herning Ave. in Wasilla, with Pastor Dawson Lindblom officiating. A visitation at the funeral home for family and friends precedes the ceremony by one hour. Jon’s final resting place will be at Anderson Cemetery in Stanwood, Wash.

Jon was born June 23, 1977, in Mount Vernon, Wash. He attended Aces High School in Washington state and graduated in 1996. He also attended Everett Community College and received his certification as a welder. He moved to Alaska in 2000 and lived in Wasilla with his wife, Melissa, and their three children.

Jon worked for the Alaska Railroad as a carman since 2003 and served as president of TCU No. 6067. He enjoyed four-wheeling with his friends and camping with his family. He also enjoyed shooting, dip netting and working on his truck.

Jon will be remembered by his family as a wonderful husband, father, son and brother who was a hard worker despite all the challenges life threw at him, and he was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He lived his life to the fullest and didn’t let anything get in the way of his goals. His family said they have a hole in their hearts that will never heal. Jon was sunshine on a cloudy day who was always there with a smile, a kind word and always a shoulder you could lean on — who, even though he faced many struggles in his own life, never let that get in the way of looking out for his family. His friends will miss him and all who knew Jon wish him to rest in peace. Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”

Jon is survived by his wife, Melissa, and his children Benjamin, Cooper and Elizabeth, all of Wasilla; parents, Barbara and Tim Giddens of Lake Stevens, Wash.; and his father, Ray Stensaa of Stanwood, Wash. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael and Benjamin Stensaa, Shane, Kyle and Konan Giddens, Alec and Aron Stensaa; and sister, Annie Stensaa.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Tina Denise Stensaa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Wells Fargo Bank C/O Stensaa Children Account No. 6124306603.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla cared for the family.