Don "Donnie" Jokela

Donald “Donnie” Larry Jokela surrendered his breath and his sisu back onto the Lord on July 26, 2025 at his Spokane WA home.

Donnie, along with his twin brother David Lanny, was born on December 28, 1943 to Walter “Wally” and Helene (Karvonen) Jokela in the Karvonen home, New York Mills, MN.  The family lived those days on a farm just west of Heinola, MN.  At a very early age it was obvious to the most casual observer that Donnie loved and excelled at sports… all sports.  At New York Mills High School, Donnie was passionate while playing football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis.  In tennis Donnie and his twin brother David reached the 1962 Minnesota State Tennis Tournament being the first New York Mills athletes to do so.  Donnie was also a strategic member of the 1969 New York Mills Millers baseball team winning both the Hi-10 and the Region 3-B baseball championships.  Donnie was an infielder and catcher but he would even volunteer to pitch if the team needed him to.  Donnie was also an avid league bowler at the Mills Lanes.

As was the persona of Donnie, no matter how many awards or trophies he won, he chose not to display them as it was the “competition” that he enjoyed the most.  Donnie was a true sportsman who competed heartily during the game and then afterwards, he was a spirited friend to those he competed against or with.  His sense of humor was greatly appreciated.

Donnie was a gifted hard worker who understood his role to provide for his family. There was always a roof overhead, food on the table and clothes to wear.  Although Donnie was skilled at many occupations, he retired as an expert tradesman in carpet and flooring installation.  He quickly had learned the business working for Jokela Furniture and Carpet in New York Mills, MN owned by his older brother Dale. He took his skills to Washington when he and his wife, Dianna, relocated to Spokane in 1986 where he was an owner of Larry’s Carpets.

Donnie’s reputation as a carpet installer was well known.  People regularly sought out his services as he treated every job as if it were his own.  High quality results with fair pricing was how he ran the business.  And of course, family always received Donnie’s best work along with his friendly family rate because that is what should be the case.  His focus was second to none also.  There is a family story where Donnie was injured by a chop blade.  He went to the hospital for 13 stitches and then returned to the job to complete the install.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents Wally and Helene, twin brother David and Stephanie Mabbott-Amberg (Shawn’s mother).

He is survived by his wife Dianna (Moss) Jokela; his children Dina (Scott) Olsen, Shawn Jokela, Troy Perna, Darin (Nancy) Perna, JaNae (Darren) Sybouts; his grandchildren Angela (Benjamin) Martinez, Zoe (Jacob) Lofstad, Jada Olsen, Gabree Olsen, Lora Olsen, Lawrence Olsen, Tanner (Perna) Hundahl, Jesse Perna, Rhett Perna, Rylie Perna, Jenavieve (Manny) Lopez, Ari Sybouts; four great grandchildren Greyson, Ana, Jack and Judah; his brothers Dale and Paul; his nieces/nephews Wendy (Mort) Windels, Randy (Delinda) Jokela, Merry Pat (Dale) Beyer, Heidi (Keith) Van Dyke, Tristan Jokela, Kari (Ed) Wright and Lafonda (Gary) Leshovsky and many dear friends who will miss him.

Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday June 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Smith Baseball Field in New York Mills along with refreshments.  A family friendly game of softball will follow for those wishing to participate  Bring your glove, bat and ball.  Donnie would have appreciated such a game.  In addition, there will be a short gathering at Prairie Cemetery earlier in the day at 1:00 PM.  

… And he (Jesus) said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

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