Leo Edward Dresnek

Wasilla resident Leo Edward Dresnek Sr., 88, died June 8, 2011, from complications due to diabetes. He was surrounded by his family when he died.

A private viewing and burial for family is June 13. A memorial Mass and celebration of life reception in honor of Leo is at 11 a.m., June 25 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Bill Fournier officiating.

Leo was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Albert L. and Martha (Healy) Dresnek. He moved to Alaska in 1968, where he worked for Northwest Auto, Frontier Rock and Sand as well as Anchorage Sand and Gravel before working as airport manager in McGrath and Aniak for the state of Alaska, retiring in 1977. He and his family lived in Eagle River, Palmer, Lake Lucille, McGrath and Aniak before settling in Wasilla.

Leo enjoyed watching the Seattle Mariners, his favorite baseball team, and he also loved to watch wrestling and boxing, which he did in his younger days.

Leo met the love of his life and bestfriend, Shirley, when he was 17 years old and she was 13 years old in Cleveland, Ohio. They married May 5, 1945, in Cleveland and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage.

“Mother loves to tell the story of how she knew she would marry him the first time she saw him,” the family wrote. “He never had a chance! And in the past few years they took to singing ‘You are My Sunshine’ to each other, and it always brought a smile to their faces and anyone else within earshot.

“Dad was the rock and foundation of his large family. He was optimistic and forward thinking, which helped bring the Dresnek family north to Alaska in 1968 from Michigan. He thought there was something better and there was. Alaska became home to nine of his 10 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren who still reside within the state.

“A man of many hats, he was as versatile as he was friendly and had a sense of humor that we all acquired. The man could strike up a conversation with anyone and many a longtime friend was made as easy as that. He never let his children forget what was important in life, and that was each other and family. The network of support we all have to this day is a legacy to him. ‘Blood is thicker than water’ was a comment we heard throughout our lives. He has left a large void in our lives and we now have to learn how to fill that void. But we will prevail as he would expect us to live life to its fullest. We will honor him by doing just that.”

Leo is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Dresnek; daughters, Shirley Smith, Martha (Ray) Nekeferoff, Meri Stewart, Irene Kemp and Nancy (Craig) Henrionnet.

He is also survived by his sons, David (Jean) Dresnek, Michael (Marilyn) Dresnek, Steve Dresnek, Leo (Kitty) Dresnek and John (Kathleen) Dresnek. Leo is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Martha Dresnek; and his brothers, Albert Dresnek Jr. and Ramon Dresnek.

In lieu of flowers, cards and/or donations may be sent to Shirley Dresnek, 6730 E. Zephyr Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654.

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