JOSEPH JOHN CHMIELOWSKI

Wasilla resident Joseph John Chmielowski, 74, died July 9, 2003, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

His family will hold a private memorial service and scatter his ashes at his homestead at a later date.

Mr. Chmielowski was born Aug. 2, 1928, in Mahanoy City, Pa. He was a Korean War veteran having served in the U.S. Army.

He came to Alaska in 1960, establishing a homestead with his brothers, Bobz and Lenny, north of Sourdough, where he resided for more than 40 years. In 1992 he moved to the Wasilla area.

He had been employed as a driller and asphalt raker as a member of Laborer's Local 942 in Fairbanks, with approximately 20 years of service.

His hobbies and special interests included carving diamond willow, making homemade wine and cooking for family and friends.

His family said, "He was like a second father to his nephews and he will be greatly missed by family and friends."

Mr. Chmielowski's wife, Ruth Chmielowski, brothers, Bobz Chmielowski, Ed Chmielowski and Ray Chmielowski preceded him in death.

He is survived by his sisters, Emily Bisset and Josie De Simone; brother, Lenny Chmielowski; step-sons, Ronald and Mark McClean; step-daughter, Evelyn Lightwood; nephews, Steve, Ray, Karl, Jon and Joe; step-grandchildren, Nikole, Roman, Ron and Laura; and several great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.