Jeffrey P. Hemann

Jul 19, 1979 -

May 7, 2024

Jeffrey "Jeff" Hemann, age 44, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at his home in Healy, Alaska. Jeff was born on July 19, 1979, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to parents Sue (Ron) Blanchet and Paul Hemann. A private celebration of Jeff's life will be held at a later date.

After graduating from St. Edmond High School in 1998, Jeff pursued his passion for nature and the outdoors while living in the boundary waters of Ely, Minn. It was there he became passionate about mushing sled dogs and building log homes. It wasn't long before he made the decision to move to Alaska with nothing more than the clothes on his back and very few possessions. That's where he met and married the love of his life, Heather Goosey, and in 2009, they were blessed with their son, Granite.

Living what is considered "off the grid," Jeff and Heather built up their business as dog mushers and tour guides. Tourists visiting the Denali area of Alaska thoroughly enjoyed the dog mushing tours led by Jeff. The leadership he exhibited with his dog teams and expertise were incredible. While he had over 30 dogs, each one of them was treated with love and respect and considered to be part of the family.

In addition to dog mushing, Jeff, a fifth degree black belt, taught and inspired kids and adults alike the art of Tae Kwon Do, helping them develop their skills in self-defense while also building their self-confidence.

He also loved working for his best friend and mentor, Ramey Smyth, building custom log homes in Willow, Alaska. The pride Jeff took building these homes was unparalleled. That pride was evident as tourists and friends stopped by the log yard along the highway and watched him work. While others would consider that a distraction, Jeff never hesitated to educate those passersby on the intricate and grueling work involved in building those one-of-a-kind homes.

While his life was unfortunately cut short, Jeff had a tremendous impact on his friends and family. Left behind to cherish their memories of Jeff are his parents; wife, Heather; son, Granite; stepson, Dakota Call; mother- and father-in-law, Maxine and Larry Goosey; sisters, Annie (Jeff) Brace and Emily (Jacob) Lyon; nieces and nephews, Eliza Brace, Cooper Brace, Kennedy Brace, Mason Lyon and Myles Lyon, all of Anchorage, Alaska; aunt, Belinda Ladlie; uncles, Bud PeCoy, Mike PeCoy, Dennis Hemann, Fr. Dave Hemann, Pat Hemann and Tom Hemann; and numerous cousins.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Burlyn and Charlotte PeCoy, Roman and Dorothy Hemann; stepmother, Sue Hemann; and uncle, Mike Hemann who all undoubtedly welcomed him home.

A fund has been set up to assist Heather and Granite with their immediate expenses, including caring for more than 30 sled dogs. Please send any memorials to Sue Blanchet, 2940 19th Ave. North, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or Venmo @ Sue-Blanchet-1.