John Wedin
Jan 4, 1949 -
Nov 4, 2025
John Harry Wedin III, aka "Jack," age 76, passed away suddenly at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Nov. 4, 2025. Born in Seattle, Wash., to Margaret Burke Gross and John Harry Wedin Jr., he was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, "oppa," brother, friend, coach, writer, producer and business owner. A proud veteran who believed in and fought for America throughout his life, John was in the Navy from December 1966-November 1968, serving on the USS Constellation and on Midway Island during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, John moved to the woods, married his first wife, built a log cabin where the couple lived and had two daughters. With his brother Peter, John operated a Volkswagen mechanic shop; was a seasonal commercial fisher, cannery worker and construction worker; and was draughtsman at Marco Shipbuilding—a time he often reminisced about. After a difficult period, John became the sole custody provider for the two young girls, packed everything up and moved to Alaska. Again working in the construction industry, one day he answered a want ad for an "Advertising Copy Writer" at Mystrom Advertising. John was the successful candidate. He soon turned his talent and passion for writing into a lifelong career as the owner of Eye Cue Productions, a marketing and advertising business. John met his wife, Cheri Gillian, at the ad agency. The two married in 1989, were deeply in love and enjoyed many adventures for more than 37 years. Their union added two sons to the family. Coach Wedin was a highly respected leader of a Boys & Girls Club youth football team for many years. The former team youth, now young men, credit him with providing leadership, mentorship and support at a critical time in their lives. At the time of his death, John was one of the founders of The Quest Group, a marketing, digital services, film and production cooperative comprised of highly talented team members John met along his professional journey.
John is survived by his wife, Cheri Ren Gillian; daughter, Alisa Laverne Wedin; sons, Gillian Jacob Wedin and Samuel Jackson Wedin; and four grandchildren, Nathan and Marina Burpee, Riley Snider and Elijah James Martinez Wedin. John is also survived by his sisters, Deb Miller and Markay Newton and Mary Priscilla "Priss" Christian; brothers, Peter and Dan Wedin; their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Rebecca Mae Wedin; and brother, Tim Wedin.
A remembrance of his life, Straight Ahead, John Wedin, will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Aviation Heritage Museum in Anchorage. Donations and/or volunteer service in his memory may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, the Aviation Heritage Museum and/or to Duke Russell's Feed the Homeless effort.
