Yvonne Marie Jokela, 63, of Rock, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba where she was a patient for 12 days.
Yvonne, also known as “Missy” and “Yahoo”, was born on August 22, 1956 in Waco, Texas. She was the oldest of five children of Allan and Nancy (Koski) Jokela.
Yvonne resided in Rock most of her life. While growing up in a military family, she also lived at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and in lower Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Japan.
Yvonne graduated in 1974 from Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama and later attended Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba. She was briefly employed as a flag girl for a road construction company and a draftsman for K & K Manufacturing Company of Rock. Most recently, she worked many years in the local potato industry.
Family and friends describe Yvonne as a kind and gentle soul. She enjoyed playing music, gardening, drawing and creative various crafts. She also had a great love for horses and nature, especially the Escanaba River.
Yvonne is survived by John Linjala, her partner for the past 43 years. Additional survivors include: her mother, Nancy Jokela of Rock; siblings Heidi (Steve) DeLongchamp of Ishpeming, Allan Jokela Jr. of Rock Jenny (Tom Linjala) Lancour of Gladstone and David Jokela of Rock; nieces and nephews Erik DeLongchamp, Isaac DeLongchamp, Maija (Steve) Veihl, Sara DeLongchamp, Earl (Tamara) Lancour, Elle (David) Dykowski, Jenny DeLongchamp, Eloise Veihl, Henry Veihl, and Roland Lancour; Aunt Marlene and Uncle Bob Koski; Aunt Yoshino Jokela; Uncle Paul Jokela and several cousins.
Yvonne’s father Allan Jokela Sr., preceded her in death in 2013. Grandparents Bertha and John Jokela and Elsie and Emil Koski, Uncle Harold Jokela, Aunt Barb Jokela, and Aunt Betty and Uncle David Koski also preceded her in death.
Yvonne’s family will conduct a private funeral service at a later date. Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone is assisting with arrangements.
Cheri and Larry Lippens - Rock, MI
You were definitely a gentle soul. This town will never be the same without Yahoo. You were one of a kind…and I mean that in good way. You always made people feel good. You were always genuine. You never forgot Larry at Christmas, when working in the Potatoes, and always sent something for me too. Not a gentler soul in the world. You will be missed!!!!!
Susie Muir - Iron Mountain, MI
Rest my dear cousin with peace of mind. You will surely be missed! Memories of your gentle soul will forever live on. I’ll see you soon!
Colleen Hurkman - Rock, MI
Although you will be missed here, there are many waiting for you in that beautiful “Other Place”. Your memory will live on, as it should, for you are that spark that should not be forgotten.
deb miller - Rapid River, MI
Oh boy, a good one has gone onto better places. Prayers and condolences to you all.
Dan Wilcox - Gladstone, MI
The world need’s More Yahoo’s not less……….R.I.P. Friend…….Be well UC
David and Sheila - Rapid River, Mi
You have always been a kind and gentle person. May you rest in peace. You will always be missed by many. David Lund and Sheila Johnson
Sharl Druckenmiller ( Cayer) - Port Charlotte, Fl
My heartfelt sympathies are felt for Yvonne’s family. When I think of Yvonne, I visualize her heartwarming smile and her sitting on the church steps playing her guitar to the children during VBS. May she rest in peace.
Becca Anderson - Rock, Mi
Yvonne is one that will never be forgotten by many.
virgie kanerva and Mike - rock, MI
When I think of Yvonne I remember our many talks when we took care of Grandpa & Gramma Koski, She was a sweet and caring women, Loved her family with all her heart!! Gods Blessings to her loving family!! Til we meet in our Fathers house sweety!