Emil Joki
Emil Joki, 94, of Fairfax, Va., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. Emil was born on June 21, 1917, and was a graduate of Esko High School. He played basketball for the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The FFA team beat the Harlem Globetrotters in 1938. It was quite an event for Esko. Emil joined the service in 1940 and served in the Medical Corps stationed in Manila. Upon returning to the East Coast, he spent some time at the NCO club in New Jersey, where he had an eye on a beautiful vocalist named Virginia. Emil and Virginia Wells were married in 1948, and made their home in Falls Church, Va. He then went to work for the government in the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., until his retirement. Emil enjoyed gardening, fishing, music, and was a sports enthusiast.
Emil Joki, 94, of Fairfax, Va., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. Emil was born on June 21, 1917, and was a graduate of Esko High School. He played basketball for the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The FFA team beat the Harlem Globetrotters in 1938. It was quite an event for Esko. Emil joined the service in 1940 and served in the Medical Corps stationed in Manila. Upon returning to the East Coast, he spent some time at the NCO club in New Jersey, where he had an eye on a beautiful vocalist named Virginia. Emil and Virginia Wells were married in 1948, and made their home in Falls Church, Va. He then went to work for the government in the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., until his retirement. Emil enjoyed gardening, fishing, music, and was a sports enthusiast.
He came back to Minnesota every summer while he was still able to stay a month or so at his brother Weikko's house in Esko, Minn. They spent a lot of good times together, fishing when weather permitted, but Fridays were reserved for dancing, especially polka fests. They were both excellent dancers.
Emil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his brother, Weikko; and his sister, Stella Nichols.
He is survived by his daughters, Elaine (Edward) Miller and Janis (Gary) Keck; his grandsons, Byron Keck and Mathew Miller; his brothers, Roy (Alice Trapp) of Esko and Leslie of Cromwell, Minn.; his sisters, Sylvia Woodman of St. Paul, Minn., Lillian (Donald) Wegler of Fridley, Minn., and Nancy (Louis) Novacinski of Cloquet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was dearly loved by family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 5, at the Truro Church, 10520 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030.
March 1, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.
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