Mark Smykalski

Talkeetna resident Mark Smykalski, 62, passed away Aug. 3, 2017, due to cancer.

A celebration of life with Honor Guard presentation was held on Aug. 19, 2017.

Mark was born on Oct. 8, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Robert and Marilyn (Jensen) Smykalski. After graduating high school in 1972, he joined the United States Air Force. On March 9, 1974, Mark married Debra Gare. The family moved to Alaska in 1983 and Mark retired there from the USAF in 1992 after serving 20 years. Mark and Debra moved to Talkeetna to enjoy their retirement together.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, son Jamie Smykalski and daughter Alison Irsik, all of Alaska; sisters Sharon Greenspan of Hawaii and Jolene Balfe of Minnesota; grandsons Cooper and Nathan Smykalski and Aiden and Mason Irsik, all of Alaska.

Mark is preceded in death by his sister, Roxanne Smykalski; brother, Dale Smykalski; and parents, Robert and Marilyn Smykalski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Curry Ridge Riders, www.curryridgeriders.com or PO Box 13218, Trapper Creek, Alaska 99683 or The American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org