Donald George Jokerst

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

Donald George Jokerst

February 28, 1929 - August 10, 2012