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
Donna Przepiora says:
August 10, 2012
To Julia, Janet, Cathy and Jim, my family wants to express our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your father. My Dad always enjoyed his talks with your Dad on the phone and he and my Mom had a great time when they visited him in Vegas. Your Dad always had a big smile and a great laugh that made everyone feel welcome. There are too many great memories from childhood to list between our family and yours. I always looked forward to spending time with your Mom and Dad and always felt right at home. We are praying for you and want you to know that your Dad was one of a kind and will truly be missed. With love, Donna, Arlene and Ray Przepiora
James R. Jokerst, MD says:
August 10, 2012
Thank you for everything, Dad. Every day I compare myself to you and come up short, but at least it is something to shoot for. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thomas Feeney says:
August 10, 2012
I was saddend to hear that Mr Jokerst had passed. I was one of the red headed twin boys at 14703 Alma who waited for him daily to show up so we could push his mail cart for him for several blocks. Several times he even took us to Cunninghams drug store and bought us a Coke. He was always so very friendly and kind. I extend to his family and friends my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and friend.
Charlotte (Peck) Parenteau & Family says:
August 10, 2012
My family and I send our prayers and condolences to Jim, Janet and Julia on the death of their father, Don.
Don was our dear neighbor whose smile will never be forgotten. My husband and I visited Don on several visits to Las Vegas and he was always so happy to hear from us.
May he rest in peace with your sweet mother.
Mrs. Peck-Parenteau & Family
Dana says:
August 10, 2012
Love to all of you!