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Jason Ahsenmacher Obituary
Jason graduated from Shakopee High School in Shakopee, Minnesota, in 2001. He pursued his love of weather and science at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in atmospheric sciences. Following graduation, Jason began his lifelong career with the National Weather Service, where he spent the past 16 years doing the work he loved most - forecasting weather and serving communities.
Jason began his career in North Platte, Nebraska, before moving to Anchorage, Alaska, where he spent eight years as a general meteorologist. Since March 2020, Jason proudly served as a lead meteorologist at the Fairbanks, Alaska, National Weather Service office. There, he had the privilege of working closely with diverse communities across Alaska, including underserved tribal villages and wildfire response agencies. He also found joy in mentoring and training the next generation of National Weather Service meteorologists, sharing his passion for the science of weather and the importance of public service. Jason was a very talented meteorologist.
Outside of work, Jason embraced Alaska's rugged beauty. He became an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours hiking the mountains, fishing the rivers, and hunting the wild places he came to love. Jason cherished the friendships he made in Alaska and the adventures they shared together.
In 2022, Jason was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex illness. He faced this unexpected challenge with remarkable courage and resilience. Under the care of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Jason underwent intensive treatment with unwavering determination. His colleagues at the National Weather Service generously donated their own leave time to ensure he could focus fully on his recovery - a gesture that spoke to the respect and care they felt for him. Throughout it all, Jason remained focused on his goal: to return to the wilderness he loved. More than anything, he longed to hike again and immerse himself in the beauty of the outdoors. With strength and perseverance, Jason overcame tremendous obstacles and reclaimed his passion for Alaska's wild landscapes.
Jason's legacy lives on in the lives he enriched, the colleagues he mentored, and the countless communities he served through his dedication to keeping them informed and safe.
Jason is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Roxanne Ahsenmacher; his sister, Amy Ahsenmacher Winter (Dustin); his beloved niece, Sadie, and nephew, Eli; and many other family members and friends whose lives were touched by his generosity, humor and kind spirit.
A celebration of Jason's life was held in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. A memorial service in Minnesota will be planned for a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jason Ahsenmacher
Heather Kenyon
July 27, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the news of Jason's passing. I met Jason in 2007 in Grand Forks, ND. We became instant friends. He was one of the most intelligent meteorologists I have ever met. He understood the atmosphere and was able to communicate it to others. While we lost touch after we moved apart, I always enjoyed seeing his pictures. He will be very missed.
Justin Shaw
July 25, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Jason since 2007. We worked together as meteorologists at a private forecasting company for several years and remained friends after we both moved on from North Dakota. Jason was the most thorough and knowledgeable meteorologist I have known. Random discussions of dynamical equations and deep moist convection while enjoying beers or taking a hike are my favorite memories of Jason. His passion for the natural world and truly experiencing what nature has to offer were remarkable. He was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to all.
Scott Berg
July 22, 2025
He was a good friend, a great co-worker, and he will be missed. He was so knowledgeable about meteorology and willing to share it with everyone he worked with. I was lucky to get to work with and spend time with him.
Kaitlyn O'Brien
July 16, 2025
I first met Jason in September 2017 when I started a new job at NWS Anchorage. I had never had a professional forecasting job before and was feeling very intimidated by the forecasting challenges in Alaska. I spent the next year training with Jason and learning so much from him. He was such a talented and passionate forecaster and he deeply cared about sharing his knowledge and experience.
I have many great memories of working with Jason, and one in particular that stands out. He came in to work as Lead Forecaster for the early morning "B" shift on November 30, 2018. I was wrapping up a long night shift and he let me go home early, which I appreciated so much. Before leaving the office, I double-checked with him again asking, "are you sure it's ok? you don't need me here?" His next words were, "yes, it's fine - get some sleep, it's not like we'll have a tsunami or anything". And don't you know just 2 hours later, at 8:29AM, there was a 7.1M earthquake just north of Anchorage near Palmer, and Anchorage was under a tsunami warning. Though I wasn't there, I heard he handled that very intense, and very stressful situation with a cool, calm, and collected nature, and led his team to execute the necessary duties before ultimately evacuating the building. That's how I remember Jason- he was always very practical and sensible, even under extreme duress. And I suppose such an approach should be no surprise, as that was exactly how he faced all adversity in his life, especially after learning about his POEMS diagnosis. Much later after the earthquake event, we recollected how wild it was that he had made that comment and laughed about his keen ability to predict the future.
My heart aches for his parents and family, and for all who were lucky enough to know him and work with him. Jason was an incredible person, meteorologist, and friend, and he will be sorely missed.
Corrine Leistikow MD
July 16, 2025
I was Jason's family doctor in Fairbanks until my retirement in March. I am so sad to hear of his passing. It was an honor to help him through his medical journey. He was doing so well when I retired so I was shocked to see his obituary. I am so sorry for your loss
Daniel E. Cole
July 15, 2025
When Erin sent me Jason's obituary I had a wave of memories wash over me. I remember him coming to church with his family and participating in the life of the church. Jason was the same age of our son Adam. One memory was the fall Jason and Adam played football. For a little guy he was very aggressive. I send my love and prayers with this message. Truly heaven is sounding sweeter all the time.
David Hadley
July 14, 2025
A very thoughtful, sincere, caring and courageous individual. I´m happy he lived his life with passion and found a way to weave it his live of meteorology and service.
Becky Leighton
July 14, 2025
I met Jason when he started working at the Weather Forecast Office in Anchorage. I admired his zest for life, and his appreciation of our state´s beauty. Jason took fantastic photos while out hiking, fishing, and recreating. Great laugh, great sense of humor. My condolences to Jason´s family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Christopher Luckett
July 13, 2025
Worked along side Jason from 2 years at Anchorage. Really great guy with big heart for weather and Alaska. He will definitely be missed. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Nicole Ferrin
July 12, 2025
This one hit me hard. I knew Jason was sick, but... really sad. I'm a NWS colleague that coordinated for years with him from Juneau. We attended a union conference together in Vegas where he met my husband and made some fond memories! Jason, I'll think of you whenever I see someone enjoying a high end brandy.
Maura Casey
July 12, 2025
It is truly shocking and heartbreaking to learn that Jason has passed on. I TDY'ed upta Fairbanks in the Fall of 2023 and he made my time there truly memorable. Such a nice, funny, knowledgeable guy that knew what it meant to be a scientist and public servant. He was eager to tell me where the best local hikes, bites, and brews were, and let me borrow his bear spray - some true Fairbanks hospitality. He wore his passion on his sleeve, and I especially appreciated his sharp wit. What a loss for the Alaskan (and greater) meteorological community.
Teresa Keck
July 12, 2025
My condolences in Jason's passing to the family and colleagues. I worked with Jason in North Platte and more recent in a project for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month. He loved life, his work and being present. May is soul rest in peace.
Royce Fontenot
July 12, 2025
I worked with Jason at Anchorage, and in all of my offices that I have worked, he was not on one of the best mets I have worked with, but was just plain FUN to work with. I don't think I ever had a bad shift working with him. He was a good soul, and I pray for his other friends and his family for peace in this time. The world is a little less bright without him!
Clay Morgan
July 12, 2025
I never met Jason; I only chatted with him online as a fellow NWS met. He always seemed positive and had well thought-out ideas. It's tough to lose a colleague/friend/family member at such a young age. Sending sympathy to all who were close to him.
Lucas Boyer
July 12, 2025
I had the privilege of working with Jason at WFO Anchorage. He was a wealth of meteorological knowledge, but also loved to discuss other technical subjects, as well as share intel on a good outdoor destination in a land full of them. When we spoke of the challenges of living in a land far from our families and friends, he was always willing to share the candid moments that shaped his arrival in the 49th State. An eccentric landlord and a stolen car come to mind. All told with a sense of humor, only Alaska can build. Jason knew this too. Alaska holds a special place for many of us. Jason knew this as well. I know he took advantage of Alaska's natural riches. I'm truly sorry his physical time there has come to a close. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope time will grant you peace and heal your broken heart.
Judy Karels
July 11, 2025
Dear Bob and Roxy, I am so sorry for your loss of Jason. I remember all of your family vacations and gatherings at holidays. Such awesome parents and Jason couldn't have been more special! To Amy and family, so sorry for your loss of your brother Jason. I can only imagine how proud you are of him. May God grant you all peace, do cherish all your memories.
Lovingly, Judy Karels
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