Donald "Don" Michael Piaskowski

Donald Michael Piaskowski, 80 of Anchorage passed away peacefully at home on October 27 from pancreatic cancer. Don was born April 30, 1944, to Robert and Shirley Piaskowski. He had ten brothers and sisters. From an early age Don loved the outdoors and all that Alaska had to offer. He had an adventurous soul. He married Valerie Williams on April 20, 1963, and they raised two beautiful daughters: Kenda and Ginger. They ran a fish camp in Kotzebue one summer. He was also a farmer in Palmer, as well as a mechanic in later years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, jeeping and sitting around a campfire telling stories. Don had an amazing memory and was a gifted storyteller. When he shared an adventure, his listeners felt as though they were there with him. He was also known for his lengthy phone conversations. Don’s life was characterized by his kindness and readiness to help others, always putting the needs of his family and friends first. Don worked for VF Grace for over 20 years before moving on to positions at Nye Ford, K & L Distributors, and finally the Municipality of Anchorage, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. Following retirement, he and Valerie moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Don moved back to Anchorage in 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Ginger Jahnke: granddaughters, Alisha Melin and Terra Jahnke; and grandson Besnik Piaskowski-Celiku, and his siblings; Kathleen, Shirleen, Cynthia, David, Christine, Elizabeth and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his wife Valerie; daughter Kenda; parents, Robert and Shirley and brothers, Robert, William and Joseph. A Funeral Mass will be held December 13, 2024 @ 2:30pm St. Benedicts Catholic Church,8110 Jewel Lake Rd, Anchorage, AK. A Rosary will precede the Mass at 2pm.Don’s life and legacy will be celebrated by all who knew him, as he will be deeply missed.