Musher Details

Deke Naaktgeboren was born in Pella, Iowa – home of Pella Windows, Tulip Time and the Dutchmen! A graduate of Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado and a former U.S. Law Enforcement Ranger for our Nation’s National Parks, Deke started Nautique Sky Kennel in 2014. Nautique was the name of his first Husky he adopted in college and the main reason he fell in love with mushing as Nautique showed him a lot! Since 2014, Deke has completed a lot of races, including four Iditarods and was fortunate enough to win the Leonard Seppala Humanitarian Award in 2023 for exemplary dog care, an award that he’ll always cherish and be extremely proud of. Deke loves spending time with his son Nolan, 10 years old, who loves the dogs as much as Deke does, and sports, maybe even more than his Dad. Deke is super involved in coaching his son’s basketball and baseball teams.

In 2024, Deke and his friend Jonah Bacon started North Star Dog Mushing Co. becoming partners not just for business, but also for training these incredible race dogs running the Iditarod. Deke also wouldn’t be here without his friend Eric Straley, who makes sure the sleds are functional, the team isn’t late to scheduled events, and his dogs have a retirement home after their days of racing are over.
Deke enjoys sharing his unique lifestyle with friends, family and his guests, loves sharing the trail with his best canine friends, BEING A DAD, and mowing the lawn!

SPONSORS:

Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service
Aurora Animal Hospital
Ivory Jacks
Pikes Dog
North Star Dog Mushing Co.
Cultro Website Design
The Amazing Individual Wonderful Dog Sponsors! You know who you are!