Donald George Jokerst
February 28, 1929 - August 10, 2012
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Donald George Jokerst
February 28, 1929 - August 10, 2012
Obituary
Donald G. Jokerst, previous resident of Detroit and Las Vegas, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2012 in Spokane, WA. He was born February 28, 1929 in Detroit to Tom and Rose (Huck) Jokerst. Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He worked for the U.S. Post Office in Detroit, and owned a small business “Don Jay’s Evening Catering”.
Don fell in love with Ruth Carleton and married her on August 2, 1958. They remained in Detroit, raising their family and living a life full of love, until tragedy struck when his beloved Ruth, died suddenly on April 7, 1982. Don retired from the Post Office at the age of 55, and moved to Las Vegas where he lived his passion of playing the horses and enjoying the desert climate of Nevada. He met Diane Paleologos and found the woman he desired to spend the remaining years of his life with, as they shared many happy times together.
Don was a family man and hard worker. He lived the ethic of taking care of his family, and was a deeply devoted husband and father. He was a positive person, who found joy in his daily life. He lived out his dreams, and encouraged his children to follow their hearts. We miss you Dad, and we will always love you.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth and his brother, Earl Jokerst. He is survived by his children, Catherine Renard, Jim (Dana) Jokerst, Janet Rose Kawczynski and Julia (Mark) Becker; grandchildren Rebecca, Aaron, Donald, Pierce, John, Diana, Heather, Jesse, Jimmy and Ian; sister Marylou (Ed) DeBoom; brother James Jokerst; many nieces & nephews, and his long time loving companion, Diane.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at Pine Ridge in Spokane for the kindness that they gave Don which provided him such warm loving care in the final weeks of his life.
A service will be held Saturday October 20, 2012,1:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit where his urn will be laid to rest next to his wife Ruth.
Please view the memorial and sign the online guest book to share your memories of Don.
Farewell Tribute Information
Graveside inurnment service:
Saturday, October 20th, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, MI
Reception Lunch to follow at Juliano’s Restaurant
14 responses to Donald George Jokerst
Karen Klokkevold says:
August 10, 2012
Rose, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure your Dad will be sorely missed.
Mark Becker says:
August 10, 2012
I was so honored to be able to help Don these last few months. Our family was touched deeply and cherished all the warm moments with such a loving man – father – grandfather and father in law. You are a true gem Don
Janet Rose Kawczynski says:
August 10, 2012
Dad, You will always be loved, and your memories so very much cherished. You showed me to follow my heart. May your heart be at peace now. I love you, Janet
Lisa Lewandowski says:
August 10, 2012
Dear Janet, Julia, Cathy and Jim.
I am sorry to learn about the great loss of your dear dad. I remember meeting your father when I was a little girl. I would wait at the front living room window everyday for Mr. Mailman Jokerst to deliver our mail. He had a big smile and friendly wave everyday! He would deliver hand written letters from my grandmother and aunt. One day he told me that he was going to buy the biggest and best house on the street for his family with a big yard to play in. He said he had two daughters around my age that I would meet and be good friends with. Wow….I met Mr. Mailman’s wonderful family. I remember meeting Mrs. Jokerst and thinking, what a kind, gratuitous and beautiful mom. I am fortunate that Mr. Jokerst bought that big house on our block because I had the best childhood friends one could ever imagine. My parents also loved your family. Thank you Mr. Jokerst for looking and waving at the little girl in the window as you delivered the mail to our house and sharing your family with us.
Love you and your family. See you in heaven. Lisa Lewandowski
Julia Becker says:
August 10, 2012
Dad taught me how to see life as an unending adventure, how to whistle and hum my way through anything (he spent the last two months of his life whistling and humming almost every day,) and to never run away from a challenge. The day he died, so many people at the home came up to me to share funny memories – he made people around him laugh till the very end. Love, Julia