John (Jack) R. Rhien
October 20, 1944 – April 14, 2025

John Robert “Jack” Rhien passed away peacefully, in the presence of family, at his home, after a stroke and brief illness. Jack began his journey in this world “Down Under.” He was born in Melborne, Australia to John O. Rhien and June A. (Crook) Rhien.

When Jack was 18 months old, he and his mother traveled by ship to the United States at the end of WWII. There they waited for Jack’s father to be discharged from the US Navy and made their home in Santa Cruz, California. In the late 1950s, Jack’s father became the first Enforcement Officer for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and relocated the family to the new 49th state. There Jack attended Juneau Douglas High School. They moved back to California in the early 1960s. Jack loved baseball, fishing, and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1962.

Upon graduation from high school Jack joined the Navy. He served in the Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) and did two tours in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Jack decided that it was time to move back to Alaska. Jack earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 1973 and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management Engineering from University of Alaska, Anchorage in 2000.

After earning his degree in 1973, Jack went to work for Worley Engineering in Houston, Texas.  As part of the job, he spent time in England and Saudi Arabia, traveling back to Anchorage for his R&R.  In 1979, Jack met the love of his life, Marlene and made the decision to move back to Alaska for good.  Jack took a job with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, where he worked until his retirement in 2002.  Jack and Marlene married on October 25, 1980. Together, they joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  They were very active and held various officer positions at both the local and state level.

In addition to his wife, Marlene, Jack is survived by his son Brandon (Heather); as well as Marlene’s sons John Hanson (Jeanne); Todd Hanson (Denise); and daughters-in-law Tammy Hanson, and Amy Hanson. He is also survived by his grandchildren Donovan and Orrin; Wesley and Joshua; Juliann (Jeff) and Jocelyn (Luke); Cody (Alicen) and Alyssa (Demetrius); and Everett; and his great grandchildren Aiden Johnson and Boden Dwen.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents John O. and June A. and his stepsons Curt Hanson and Nick Hanson. 

A celebration of life will be held on May 24 from 5-7 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie, located at 2020 E. Dowling Rd. #5. His ashes will be scattered at a later date.