Dennis James O'Donnell

1943 - 2015

Dennis James O'Donnell, 72, of Anchorage, Alaska, returned to his home in heaven on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and friends along with his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Dennis was born to James T. O'Donnell and Theresa M. Peacock on May 2, 1943, in Chicago, Ill. He married his high school sweetheart at the age of 17, and together they had four children. In 1976, he moved to Anchorage to work and fell in love with this beautiful state, where he has made his home ever since. As a result, each of his children have been blessed to visit him here and two of them became residents. He spent the majority of his years earning a living as a contractor in the construction business. He worked for Holiday Inn, Inc. for five years and retired in 2004. Since that time he has been a devoted member of the Anchorage Senior Activities Center, where his focus centered around extending his health. He has inspired many lives in the process. He was also very passionate about his life-long love of the game of football and his Green Bay Packers. He has been our rock. His patient and gentle spirit molded us into the people we are today. We rejoice at the many memories of laughter that he provided for us. He has touched the many lives that he has come in contact with throughout his life. He will be missed. He will be remembered. Dennis is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Steven (Serena), John and James O'Donnell; his daughter, Kathleen Blaschke; his brother, Daniel O'Donnell; and his nine grandchildren, Aiden, Qenna, Zoe, Heather, Kyle, Alexis, Gretchyn, Jimmy, Megan, Sarah, Matthew and Hannah. He is preceded in death by his father, James O'Donnell; his mother, Theresa Peacock; and his stepfather, John Peacock. A small private gathering was held in his memory on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. His tired body will be cremated and his ashes will be divided among his four children. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska: www.alaskacremation.com.