Jason DeJardin of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 48.

Jason was born on May 14, 1977, the son of Cletus P. DeJardin and Paula (Olson) DeJardin. He was the third of four children and grew up in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. Jason graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1995. From a young age, he developed a love of baseball, encouraged by his dad, who coached his Little League teams. That passion carried through summer leagues and into his high school years. Jason continued to share that love of the game with his family, including trips to see the Milwaukee Brewers, something we were all fortunate to enjoy together last season.

After high school, Jason joined the United States Navy and became a proud Seabee, making many lifelong friends and achieving much during his service. After honorably completing his term of service, he returned to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and began a 26-year long career with Home Depot. Through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become a general manager. He later moved to Denver, Colorado, where he continued his career before eventually settling in Anchorage, Alaska, where he lived for the past 20 years. In Anchorage, he served as a store manager and later worked for Home Depot corporate.

While living in Alaska, Jason was blessed with his son, Pederson Cletus Paul DeJardin, who was the center of his world. Jason loved being Pederson’s dad and was incredibly proud of him. They loved spending time together “ripping” Pokémon packs, building Lego sets side by side, and going out for sushi. Jason was especially proud to watch Pederson pursue his passions, whether cheering him on at triathlons or watching him downhill ski. Jason treasured every moment they shared together. In addition to his son, Jason had another special person in his life. Paige held a special place in his heart. As his son’s sister, Jason cared deeply for Paige, often speaking of her and taking pride in all she was doing.

Jason embraced the Alaskan lifestyle and loved snowmachining and fishing on both the rivers and the ocean. He especially enjoyed fishing with his friend Chris on his boat and loved sharing his fishing stories. Jason was known for inviting just about anyone he knew to go fishing with him, and many gladly accepted the offer.

Whenever he had the opportunity, Jason would fire up the Traeger to grill a brisket—whether it was for employees at Home Depot, friends, or family. What mattered most to him was the chance to gather people together, start conversations, and enjoy time with others. His mother always said he made the best Brussels sprouts.

Jason is survived by his son, Pederson; his mother, Paula; his sister, Kelly (Chuck) Kornowski and their children Benjamin Kornowski, Emmalee (Matt) Broomhall, and Andrew Kornowski; his brother Brian (Becky) DeJardin and their children Maxwell (Josie) DeJardin, Brookelynn (Ivan) Hernandez, Madalynn DeJardin, and Jacob DeJardin; and his brother Jonathan (Carla) DeJardin and their children Eva and Ella DeJardin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Cletus P. DeJardin.

There is no column wide enough, no page long enough, to hold the story of Jason’s life. His heart was as vast as Mount McKinley, steady and strong, filled with a love that knew no limits.

In just 48 years, he lived with the fullness and wonder of a century. He chased horizons, gathered stories, and left footprints in more places than most ever dreamed of. But his greatest journey was not measured in miles — it was measured in the lives he touched.

Jason was the heart of our family — the one who gathered us, anchored us, and reminded us of what truly matters. As a devoted father, loving son, proud brother, loyal friend, the world’s best uncle, and dedicated Seabee, he carried himself with quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering kindness. He gave freely of his laughter, his time, and his boundless joy.

To know Jason was to feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Though the world feels dimmer without him, we find comfort in knowing his light has only risen higher. And when we meet again for our next great adventure, it will be with the same love and laughter he so generously shared.

Family and friends may call at St. Joseph–St. John Catholic Church, E860 WI-29, Pilsen, WI 54217, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with visitation from 9:00am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, with Fr. Dennis Drury officiating. Full military honors to follow, and an outdoor celebration of Jason’s life will be held afterward.