Robert "BJ" Jenski

Robert “BJ” Jenski, 69 died January 27, 2023. He passed peacefully in his home following a lengthy illness. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

BJ was born March 5, 1953 in Cloquet, MN to Mary and Tony Jenski. He graduated from Cloquet High School and attended the University of MN Duluth. He moved to Alaska in 1972 and lived in Eagle River. After a few years he purchased the Independence Lodge in Hatcher Pass and the Palmer Tesoro. In 1978 he married Jan and moved to Lazy Mountain in Palmer. He started Mat-Su Mechanical and later started BJ’s Services with his brother Jim. BJ ran “the shop” until his retirement in 2013. After this, his time was spent fixing tractors, boats and farming with his son AJ and Kari.

BJ was an avid hunter and fisherman. He truly loved to catch fish though frequently spent most of his time baiting everyone else’s hooks.

His intelligence capacity was like a treasure chest. A conversation with BJ was always interesting and informative. Many considered him their mentor in the automotive repair field. He had a way of teaching while empowering.

He is survived by his wife Jan; Daughter and Son-in-Law, Dana Jenski and Jeff Lathrom, Son and Daughter-in-Law AJ and Kari Jenski; Sister, Elsie Crisler and Sister-in-Law, Kathy Jenski. He enjoyed and was proud of his 5 grandchildren: Kobie, Riley, Bronwyn, Eowyn and Evie. He was preceded in death by his Brothers, Jim and David; Sister, Julie; Brother-in-Law, Jerry and Cousin Mark Klejeski. The family will announce the date of the Celebration of Life in the near future.