Dear Joyce and Jack,
I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss. I had Uncle Jack, well, Mr. Koke at that time, as my teacher at Heaton Jr. High... what a hoot he was! He was a wonderful man and I feel for you right now... this is the strangest time of life... to wake up and find we're getting older and our loved ones are passing on... sure is tough and if I were there I'd give you great big hugs. It's been way too long since I've seen you. I hope one day we can meet again and catch up on the past, what, 20 or so years?!  I miss and love you and wish you peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time. Take care of yourselves!
Love,
Cindy

Jack, 
So sorry for the loss of your father.  May he rest in peace.
Anita @ Verle's

Joyce and Jack, 
I wrote a rather long story about your father, my uncle, that for whatever reason isn't showing up here.
Here's the short version -
When we were kids, my father used to say that school teachers didn't work very hard.  This was in an era when the only teacher in the family was Uncle Jack!  Ironically, and I'm certain to my father's dismay, everyone in our generation taught at one time or another.  This was Uncle Jack's legacy to all of us - and for the record, I told my father that teaching was the most difficult job that I have ever done as well as the most rewarding.  I doubt if I would have become a teacher without Uncle Jack's example and occasional mentoring.  I want you guys to know that everyday I open the door to the building where I work and think about your Dad for a moment.  I have my office and teach in the same building where he played basketball for Pueblo Junior College.  He claimed that where my office is, is where a girlfriend of his would sit in the bleachers while he practiced.  Thankfully for all of us, that girlfriend wasn't a girlfriend for very long.  And I am thankful that every day I get to do a job that I love because of his example to all of us.  
I deeply regret that I cannot be there with you, but please know that you all are very much in my thoughts.  
Dave

Joyce and Little Jack - and to Uncle Jack's grandchildren as well,

Do know that you all are in my thoughts; Uncle Jack surely was an absolute delight.  When we were kids he always used to come up with one funny thing or another at family get togethers.  He'd tell me, "look, this arm is shorter than my other," and shift his shoulders; his eyes would twinkle. I'd laugh and tell him, "no, it's not!" And then we'd laugh. One year your Mom and Dad came over when my nephews were little and fascinated them with types of rocks and gem stones - ever a patient teacher and the kids were enthralled.  

He also was ever so good to my Mom, LaVerne, after my Dad passed away, often visited her and was concerned about her, which I appreciated a great deal of course.

It was wonderful to see Uncle Jack and Joyce at Dave's art show in Pueblo perhaps four years ago and we had a wonderful visit.  He was interested in my wood turning and had a great deal of information on various woods, so good to see him and talk with him.  Thank you, Joyce for coming with him.  I'd call him every so often over the past four years and every time we had a wonderful conversation.    

Probably one of the funniest stories he told me on the phone recently had to do with my Dad's wrecking yard and Uncle Jack helped him.  Dad asked him to tow a wreck in and Dad wanted the radiator out of it.  Uncle Jack went and got it and explained to Dad well there isn't a radiator.  What do you mean no radiator?  Ha, it was a VW (air cooled engine).  Uncle Jack and I both laughed quite a bit about that as I could picture such a conversation between the two of them.  Your Dad could sure tell a story, and make it as real in the mind's eye, as if it were yesterday.  

My thoughts are with you, and certainly he will be dearly missed by all.

Love,

Jude

For the last several years Mr. Koke was very supportive of Wet Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation and our efforts to help orphaned and injured wildlife. We were very grateful for his generosity and his support.
We loved to hear the stories he shared with us about his life.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely 
Tom and Cec Sanders

Lee and I send our love and sympathy to you in the loss of your dad.  We were shocked as I am sure you were as well.  I so wish we would have been to Denver while he was living with you.  It would have been fun to see him again.  My memories of him are many.  I would have liked for Lee to meet him.

God bless you as you go through this time.  I feel you were blessed to have had him for so many years, and for the children and grandchildren to know him.  He will be missed.

Love you and our prayers are with you,
Lee and Carol

Please know Wynn and I are so sorry for your loss.  We loved the stories you shared about your Dad Jack; he came to life for us through them.  When we actually met him, he was delightful, everything we expected and more!  (When I see a brocolli stalk, I picture him.)    He raised a wonderful family, as you have done Jack.  We are here for you in any way that you need.  You and your family are in our prayers.  Love Wynn and Shelly

OBITUARY

John Koke

29 July, 1922 – 20 June, 2013

Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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