John Minnick

Jun 3, 1947 -

Mar 4, 2022

It is with great sadness the Minnick family of Wasilla, Alaska, announce the unexpected death of John, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.

John was born on June 3, 1947, in Everett, Pa. John and his family arrived in Alaska on April 1, 1955. He joined the Navy on April 1, 1966, and served on the USS Hancock and the USS Joseph Strauss. He did three tours in Vietnam and was honorable discharged on April 16, 1970, and returned home to Wasilla, where he met and married his wife Alice of 52 years.

Member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars had approached John and encourage him to join. John served as Post Commander three terms, Department Commander for the State of Alaska in 1998-1999, and National Chief of Staff under Gary Kurpius. John's dedication and commitment to the VFW was unwavering.

John managed Cottle Texaco for three years and then joined the Operating Engineers Local #302, where he worked to help build many roads in Alaska.

One winter, unemployed, a close friend encouraged him to take over and buy A-1 Pawn Shop in Anchorage. Fourteen years later and he said "I am moving the Pawn Shop to Wasilla" Alice replied, "We are going to starve to death."

John is preceded by his parents, Jack and Mildred; sister, Sandy; brother, Danny. He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Lynda (Kent), Terry (Mike), Ted and Jay (Emily); brothers, Paul (Diane), Terry and Shane; sister, Judy; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at VFW Post Home 9365 at 2 p.m.

John dearly loved his family. Pappy will forever be missed and loved.