Gladene Jokela

  GLADENE DORA MARGERET JOKELA February 4, 1923 – June 12, 2016        Gladene Dora Margeret Jokela, age 93, a life time resident of the Park Rapids, MN area, peacefully passed from this life into eternal life on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living Center in Park Rapids with her husband and loved ones at her side.      Gladene was born to Martin and Nettie (Rader) Ziegler at her parents’ home in Spruce Grove Township of Becker County near Wolf Lake, MN on February 4, 1923.  She attended country school near her home and went on to attend high school in Frazee where she graduated at the top of her class in 1939.  She then attended business college in Detroit Lakes, MN.  After graduating from college, she moved to Cromwell, MN where she gained employment at the Coop Store. On October 19, 1943, she was married to Harvey Henry Jokela in the same house in which she was born.  After Harvey returned from the war, the couple purchased a farm in Green Valley Township where together they made their home for 70 years.  Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Mark, Niles, and Joel, and a daughter, Colleen.  The Jokelas also opened their doors to William, Daryl, and Muriel Niskanen, who became part of their family.  They also frequently provided a temporary home for other people in need.      Gladene devoted her life to making a warm and loving home for her family.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious Finnish flat bread and big home cooked family meals.  When her children were in their teens, Gladene went to work as the purchasing agent for St. Joseph’s Hospital until her retirement in the late 1980s.  In her spare time, Gladene was a voracious reader who also enjoyed playing cards and board games with her family and friends.  She was a lifetime, faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake.  Above all, Gladene devoted her life to her soul mate and husband of 72 years, Harvey, her children, and her grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Harvey at Diamond Willow Assisted Living Center; her three sons: Mark (Jamie) Jokela of Osage, Niles Jokela of Arvada, CO, and Joel (Tamra) Jokela of Vergas, MN; her daughter, Colleen (John) Carlson of Champlin, MN; six grandchildren: Justin (Ariece) Jokela of Arvada, CO, Zak Jokela of Edgar, MT, Kristi Jokela of Wheat Ridge, CO, Sibinee Jokela of San Francisco, CA, Kurt Carlson and Ryan Carlson, both of Champlin, MN; sister-in-laws Cecilia Ziegler and Frances Harris; as well as many nieces and nephews.      She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Harold.  Funeral services will be held 2 pm Friday, June 17, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN, with The Reverend John Ramsbacker officiating.  The organist will be Jody Ziemann and the soloist will be Rick Amsberry.  The active casketbearers will be Randy Jokela, Pete Jokela, Jim Ziegler, Lee Ziegler, Kelly Ziegler, Brian Aubin and William Niskanen.  The honorary casketbearers will be Gladene’s six grandchildren.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, June 16, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.