Name: Mike Jonrowe and DeeDee Jonrowe
Age: 68 / 66
Residence: Willow, Alaska
Occupation: Commercial Fisherman / Professional sled dog trainer
Years lived in Alaska: All my life / Since I was 17
Current Location:  Winter Lake lodge on the Iditarod Trail at the Finger Lake checkpoint
Date of Photo: March 9, 2020
Temperature: 30 F 
Current Weather: Clear

Image Description: Mike and DeeDee outside Winter Lake Lodge at Fingerlake Check Point

What first brought you to Alaska:

I first came to Alaska because I was born here. / I first came to Alaska because my father brought me here.

How has Alaska captured your heart?

Alaska’s captured my heart because I enjoy the solitude and the vistas.  /  Alaska’s captured my heart because you can be anything you dream of, only your imagination is your boundary.

Describe just one of your favorite “Best Days” or  “Most memorable experiences”  in Alaska. 

My most memorable experience was catching a whole lot of fish in a very short period of time, commercial fishing. / My most memorable experience was coming 18th in the Iditarod a month after my last chemotherapy with a picture taken at the cross at the covenant church at the finish line with my leader in my arms and knowing how I got there.

What in Life do you know for sure?
What I know for sure in life is I’m going to heaven. / What I know for ensured life is that God will not forsake me. I’ve certainly tested those boundaries and he’s always been there.

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1 Comment

  1. DeeDee has been an inspiration to my students and me throughout much of my teaching career. Her faith, determination, and smile continue to be an example of how to live life to its fullest. I miss seeing her and her dogs on the Iditarod trail. Blessings to her and Mike.

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