Luke Demientieff Sr.

Mar 7, 1926 -

Mar 22, 2023

Luke Demientieff Sr. passed away on March 22, 2023, at the age of 97 years old. He was born on March 7, 1926, in Holy Cross, Alaska. His parents were Eluska and Frances Demientieff. On Aug. 19, 1951, he married Alice Sarah Withrow. Together, they had eight children. Luke grew up living a subsistence lifestyle. He loved to fish, trap and hunt. Everywhere he went, his wife, Alice, was there with him. They enjoyed the outdoor life immensely. He taught all his kids how to survive on subsistence.

Luke was a veteran of the Alaska Territorial Guard of the U.S. Army. He was also an exceptional carpenter. Even though he went to school until the sixth grade, he taught himself the skills he needed to become a journeyman carpenter. He built schools and clinics along the Kuskokwim River in the late '60s. He had a passion to build things the "old way" as he remembered when he was a child. Therefore, building canoes out of canvas, wooden boats to fish and hunt with, and Indian knives the old fashion way to cut fish. He definitely was an amazing artist! Also, an amazing storyteller. Luke had many stories to tell of his adventures throughout his life and all of what he experienced! He had many skills, but the most important to him was providing for his family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Eluska and Frances Demientieff; brothers, Joe and Mike Demientieff; sister, Betty Johnson; and son, Dean.

Luke leaves behind his wife, Alice; sister, Alice Nerby; sons, Leonard , Ronnie, Luke Jr. and Dwayne; daughters, Joyce, Wanda and Pearl; along with his sons- and daughters-in-law. He also leaves behind 30 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

His Memorial Service will be held on April 13, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m., Mass at 1 p.m., with a potluck to follow.