Jack Edward Digel

Jack Edward Digel, 72yrs old, passed away on February 16, 2025. He was surrounded by family in AZ.

Jack exemplified strength and faith like no other throughout his battle with cancer and diabetes over the past two years.

Jack was born in Olean, NY on January 7, 1953. Jack’s parents, Richard Earl Digel and Melvia Hope Hutton-Digel, came to Alaska in 1955 from Bradford, PA by train to Seattle, WA and then on a plane into Anchorage. Jack lived and worked in Anchorage until he retired from the Port of Anchorage as a Longshoreman (AILU #1) in September 2012.

Growing up, Jack lived near the city ice rink where him and his brother, Dick Digel, learned to skate and play hockey. He graduated in “71” from West High School, where he played hockey and for the NBA. He also played for the Hohn Plumbers and Wolverines. Jack coached a youth team and played Arctic winter games with numerous international teams that came to Anchorage.

Jack had a talent for auto mechanics. He restored two Mustangs a 1965 and 1964 ½. He had natural athletic ability and enjoyed water skiing, sailing, snow skiing, bowling, darts, softball co-ed, hunting, and fishing on the Kenai Peninsula with Kodiak Jacks, his chocolate lab. Building remote-controlled airplanes in AZ became his new hobby. Riding his various Harley Hogs on road trips around the Southwest USA was the favorite of all. Jack will be truly missed.

Jack is survived by Sherry Fonnesbeck-Digel, wife of 40 years; daughter Lei Lani Fonnesbeck; sons Thomas Lucas and Mathew Lucas; seven grandkids and four great grandkids; sister Cynthia Crabb (Sean) of AZ; sister-in-law Kim Ruda-Digel; niece Dionne Engler and her family; two nephews Jace Digel and his family and Nickolas Digel.

Preceding Jack’s journey to heaven was his brother, Dick Digel and their parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Hotel Captain Cook, AFT Deck.