Andrew R. Zajac

Oct 25, 1942 -

Jan 14, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Zajac who departed this life on Jan. 14, 2025, at the age of 82. His death was sudden and due to natural causes. Andy was a cherished member of his Alaska communities, and will be deeply missed by family, friends and neighbors. He lived in Alaska for more than 55 years: he resided in Eagle River for the past 21 years, and before that in Copper Center, Noatak and Kenny Lake.

A desire for adventure brought Andy, his beloved wife Sue and their two daughters to Alaska from Indiana in 1969. They had secured teaching positions just as the trans-Alaska pipeline construction was being planned. They fell in love with the wilderness and beauty of the state, and the amazing friends they made along the way. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, humor, quick wit and great writing skills. You couldn't ask for a better husband, father, grandfather or great-grandfather.

For Andy, Alaska inspired a sense of awe with its stunning grandeur. He felt proud and privileged to live in such a wonderful place. He loved hunting, fishing, going on mountain snowmachine excursions, harvesting salmon from his fishwheel and the great sense of freedom that living in Alaska gave him. In his later years, maintaining his raspberry patch and apple trees gave him great joy. Bottling his famous raspberry cordial became his passion and he gifted it and shared it often which added a special touch to any gathering, especially on Christmas morning.

Andy was born in New Jersey on Oct. 25, 1942, and raised on the family dairy farm. His parents had immigrated from Czechoslovakia, and his first language was Slovak. He was a natural athlete, lettering in baseball and football at Hunterdon Central High School. He earned a scholarship to Franklin College in Indiana and majored in psychology while playing both football and baseball as a starter. College is where he met and fell in love with his wife Sue. They married and taught school for five years in Columbus, Ind., before moving to Alaska.

Andy received his master's degree in education from Indiana University and taught fifth through eighth grades while also serving as the principal teacher at Kenny Lake, Noatak and Copper Center. He was dedicated to teaching students, and made the school year fun by orchestrating school plays and fairs, leading playground sports, coaching the hockey team and so much more. He also had leadership roles within the teachers' association.

He joined the Copper River Basin Lions club over 40 years ago and prepared fish for the salmon bake fundraiser in Glennallen every summer. Andy was also a member of the Czech Alaska Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sue (June 2023); parents, Albert and Helen Zajac; and brother, Albert. He is survived by daughters, Angie (Stephen) and Jenny (Jorg); grandsons, Patrick (Jeniffer), Max and Flynn; and great-granddaughter, Madelynne.

A memorial service will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2025, at The Crossing church, 22208 Birchwood Loop Road, Chugiak, AK 99567, with a reception to follow at Corks and Hops, Eagle River. If desired, donations may be made in Andy's name to the Copper River Basin Lions Club, P.O. Box 146, Glenallen, AK 99588; or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, t2t.org.