Mr. Osenga served on the USS North Carolina during World War II from February 1944 to May 1946 when he was honorably discharged. After his service, he traveled from New York City back to California when the speed limit was 35 mph and he said, "That was moving right along."

He then traveled to Alaska in the early 1950s and worked on the mail ship Expansion. In 1963, while living in Kodiak, he met and married Mabel Van Horn. They traveled around a bit before settling down in Seward in 1965, where he resided until 2008 when he moved to Soldotna. Mr. Osenga worked for the Alaska Marine Highway System from 1964 until his retirement in 1987. He enjoyed building boats and woodworking.

"John was an avid woodworker making many things, including clocks, furniture, model boats, model airplanes, skiffs and kayaks. Always at home on or near the water, John did not like living in Soldotna and was in the process of moving to Homer when his accident occurred. Although a quiet man, he was always quick with a smile and a hello. John will be greatly missed by his many friends and family both in Alaska and California," wrote the family.

Mr. Osenga was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his son, John Osenga Jr.; daughters, Dorothy and Ma'Lorie; brothers, Bill, Dick and Bob; granddaughters, Marissa, Cara, Ciara, Breanna and Michaela; grandsons, Cory, Sebastian and Hunter; and great-granddaughter, Brianna.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.

Information about fire, police and troopers is taken from public records consisting of logbooks and press releases.