PAUL GORDON JOKIPII's Obituary
PAUL GORDON JOKIPII, age 77, of L’Anse, passed away Monday, September 6, 2004 at Bayside Village, L’Anse, following a lengthy illness. Gordon was born in Pelkie, MI. on April 14, 1927, son of the late John Frederick and Eevi (Storm) Jokipii. He attended the Pelkie School and graduated from Baraga High School in 1944. During WWII, Gordon served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hornet. He received the Victory Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon. On June 5, 1954, Gordon married the former Violet Maki in Toivola, MI. Gordon was employed as a truck driver for the LaCourt Gas Company until his retirement. Previously, he worked at the Skanee Co-Op and had been employed in road construction. Gordon was a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church in Pelkie, VFW Alston Post 7646 and was a charter member of the Pelkie Volunteer Fire Department. Gordon enjoyed golf, gardening and woodworking. He loved his grandchildren dearly. He will be remembered for his whistling, his joy in visiting with the folks on his gas route and his sense of humor.
Mr. Jokipii is survived by his loving wife, Violet Jokipii of L’Anse, son Kevin (Marie) Jokipii of Centerline, MI., daughter, Susan (Roger) Copley of L’Anse, grandchildren, Acacia and Kaila Copley both of L’Anse, sister, Sylvia Jacoby of L’Anse, sister-in-law- Elida Jokipii of L’Anse. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. He was preceded in death by his sister, Connie, brothers, Fred, Reuben, Ralph and Edsel.
Funeral services for Mr. Jokipii were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2004 from Grace Free Lutheran Church, Pelkie with Pastor Dean Franz officiating. Interment took place in the Pelkie Cemetery. The family received friends on Thursday, September 9, 2004 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse and 1 hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday. Thursday evening, Baraga County Area Veterans, under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at 6:30 p.m.
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