David Jokela

David Lanny Jokela was born on December 28, 1943 to Walter and Helene (Karvonen) Jokela in New York Mills, MN. He grew up and attended New York Mills High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. David honorably served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968, serving on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.

On July 19, 1975, David was united in marriage to Brenda Fay Dotson in Minneapolis, MN. He was employed as a computer analyst for Seagate in Bloomington for 51 years. His wife Brenda passed away in 2004. David enjoyed researching politics, surfing the internet, dancing, coaching softball in Champlin and playing tennis. His favorite tennis partner was his brother, Donnie.

In 2007, David met his companion and fiancé Irene Nelson.  David passed away peacefully at home August 16, 2019 at 75 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding David in death was his wife, Brenda Jokela; stepson, Danny Dotson; parents: Walter and Helene Jokela.

David is survived by: fiancé, Irene Nelson; children: LaFonda (Gary) Leshovsky; Kari (Edward) Wright, Troy Nelson; grandchildren: Carissa (Jason) Trett, Danielle Wright, Rebecca (Jake) Nienow, Gary Leshovsky Jr, Marcus Leshovsky, Adam Leshovsky, Jessa Dotson; great-grandchildren: Cooper, Connor, Derek, Lilly; brothers: Dale (Louise) Jokela, Don (Diane) Jokela and Paul (Roxanna) Jokela; numerous other relatives and many friends.

Burial will be held on August 23, 2019 at 11:35 a.m., Assembly Area #6 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN  55450

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