John F. Donohue

John F. Donohue

Mr. John F. Donohue passed away on December 13, 2024, in Anchorage, AK. He was 89 years old. In recent years, John faced Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia with resilience, remaining in his home until his final days.

John was born on July 2, 1935, in Salem, OR. A first-generation Irish-American, he took great pride in his heritage. After World War II, the family moved to Anaconda, MT, where John spent a joyful childhood and honed his talent for storytelling.

John graduated high school and enlisted in the Navy in 1953, serving at Port Townsend, WA, and Adak, AK. His love of the water endured throughout his life, and he spent countless hours fishing in Alaska’s pristine waters.

Following his Navy service, John completed a boilermaker apprenticeship in Anaconda before enrolling at Montana State College. It was there he met Sue Trott, a nursing student who became his wife in 1960. The couple raised four children—Shauna, Brian, Dan, and Tara.

John earned his teaching degree in 1964 and began his career in education. In 1965, he moved his family to Alaska, where he taught elementary and later became a principal.

In retirement, John and Sue built their retirement home near Big Lake, AK, where John pursued woodworking. In 2022, they returned to Anchorage to be closer to loved ones.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Colman and Agnes Donohue; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ken Heintz. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan Donohue; children Shauna (Rod) Stepp, Brian (Amy) Donohue, Dan (Kristi) Donohue, and Tara (Brent) Daum; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; niece Colleen (Jim) Matosich; nephew John Heintz; and sister-in-law Francie (Ken) Hoversland.

A funeral service will be held on January 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Anchorage, AK, followed by a celebration in the Deacon’s Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids Corps (kcialaska.org).