Individual Details

Death

John Hite
Cornerstones create amazing foundations that last forever, in this case, love and family. On the morning of Jan. 20, 2014, the beautiful Alaska winter sunrise illuminated the sky and inspired John and Judi to go for one of many "just because" drives, enjoying the view, each other and the moment.
After a morning of friendship and love, Judi said goodbye to her beloved husband of 49 years, John T. Hite. He was 69 and died of natural causes. He had a shining soul that many were lucky enough to encounter and be touched by. His stories were more captivating than the top-rated movies of the year, each filled with his own unique spirit, passion and wonder.
John grew up surfing and scuba diving in Long Beach, Calif., where he lived with his mom and stepdad, Clotiel and Dale Bradshaw, big sister, Sandy, and little sister, Becki. Summers were often spent working on his grandfather John "Pop" Uhlenhake's farm in Ossian, Iowa. He held his grandfather in high esteem, which influenced the rest of his life. He wanted to live up to his grandfather's expectations of him as a man of good character, integrity and 
honesty.
After high school, he and a friend worked on a freighter that took them to Europe where they bought motorcycles and toured. He returned and met the "love of his life" Judi "Jude" Bohlken, daughter of Harold and Clara (Hubbard) Eiben, of Monticello, Iowa. They were married on Aug. 10, 1965. John had been drafted and eight days later he had to leave for Army Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, Mo. Thus began their life's journey with their two daughters, Sheli and Keli. John cherished his life with his family.
Lt. Col. John T. Hite had a distinguished military career. He went to Officer Candidate School for 26 weeks, beginning in September 1966, Ranger Course for 9 weeks, starting in February 1967, Fixed Wing Aviation for 44 weeks, starting in November 1967, and a tour in Vietnam. He flew a Birddog doing reconnaissance for the Big Red One from December 1967 to December 1968. He spent a tour at Mainz/Finthen Army Airfield, in the D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 8th Cavalry from January 1969 to January 1971, was in Airborne Course for three weeks in September 1971, U21 Aviation Qualification Course for 12 weeks in September 1971, and went on an overseas tour in Laos and Thailand in February 1972. He attended Infantryman Officer Advanced Course for 26 weeks, beginning in September 1973, Rotary Wing Qualification Course for 12 weeks starting in December 1973, Command and General Staff College for 44 weeks starting in July 1981, and served with the 3/325 Infantry Regiment, a unit with the 82nd Airborne Division.
John served his country with honor. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Silver Star and Army Service Ribbon.
His Alaska tours included Nome, where he commanded the Alaska National Guard Eskimo Scout BN from 1976 to 1978, Fort Wainwright from 1978 to 1980, where he earned his M.B.A. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fort Greely as Commandant of the Northern Warfare Training Center from 1982 to 1986 and University of Alaska Fairbanks as professor of military science from 1986 to 1990. 
Upon his retirement in 1990, John and Judi found their final home with the warm people of Delta Junction. They have enjoyed the years with their children and seven grandchildren. In the summers, they could be seen in their green 1977 VW Camper exploring Alaska and the Yukon, with annual attendance at their favorite music festivals in Dawson City and Sitka.
As a historian, John loved Sitka's rich history, beauty, people and culture. He wanted to be buried at the Sitka National Cemetery. His family will have his service there, with military honors, this summer.
John is survived by his wife, Judi; daughter, Sheli, and husband, John Hajdukovich, and their children, Kayla, Milo, Sara and Maija; daughter, Keli, and husband, Sean McGee, and their children, John, Sean and Megan; sister, Sandy, and husband, KJ Miller, and their children, Mike and Mark, of Loma Vista, Calif.; sister, Becky Lauzier Star, of Long Beach, and son, Christopher; uncles, Mark and Dale Uhlenhake and Dale Bradshaw, of Long Beach; Judi's parents, Harold and Clara (Hubbard) Eiben, of Monticello, Iowa; grandparents, John "Pop" and Katherine Uhlenhake, of Ossian, Iowa.
John was a private person, but he took an interest in anyone he came in contact with, of all ages. He was so respectful and concerned for others, and when he spoke to you, you would have his full attention. If he gave advice, when asked, he spoke from his experience, knowledge and from his heart. You could rely on him to be honest. John's love and memories will carry on through his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. John's only wish would be the continued love and support for Judi and his family as they make a difficult transition of life without him. 
John and Judi lived by the creed; "It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end." "Hoo Aah!" Grandpa Hite!