Rise and Shine! It is a beautiful day!
Welcome! Please update whether you will attend the Memorial Event. Thank you!
Link to Memorial Mass Page - https://www.mykeeper.com/event/memorial-mass10/
Link to Internment Page - https://www.mykeeper.com/event/internment2/
Link to Memorial Event Page - https://www.mykeeper.com/event/papa-duck-celebration-of-life/
David Arthur Jonas, 75, was called home to God on September 8, 2021, after a 15-year valiant fight with Parkinson’s. He is survived by his wife, Dee Jonas, his five children Kelly (Tim DeMarco - Wisconsin), Molly (Ray Klein - Washington), Annie (Nick Lindekugel - Oregon), KT (Ryan Anderson - Minnesota), Matt (Erin Jonas - Phoenix) and 10 grandchildren (Jonas-18, Finn-16, Jackson-16, Etta-14, Annaleah-13, Laiden-13, Emma-10, CC-9, Margot-9, and Hazel-6).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Wilma Jonas, his parents-in-law, Virgil and Ann Wagner, his sister, Nancy Hannefey, his sister-in-law, Debbie Wagner, and his nephew, Roger Ratz.
Dave was dedicated to his faith, family and friends and to his career as an engineer for Caterpillar. Dave’s uncanny ability to turn lemons into lemonade is one of the many things for which he will be remembered.
Dave donated his body to science for Parkinson’s Research. His funeral will be in-person and live-streamed from St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church on Oct 18th at 2 pm. There will be a reception to follow for out-of-town guests. Details to come. We ask all local guests to please stop by over the next few months, enjoy a beer with Dee and share a story about Dave. There will be a Celebration of Life and Parkinson's Fundraiser in Morton, IL in summer 2022. More details to come. See the events page above for more information
The Jonas family would like to extend a big thank you for all the love and support we have received throughout dad's journey with Parkinson's and on into his passing. We truly believe he is in heaven dancing, singing, laughing and loving that he is finally Parkinson's free!
Donations can be made in our dad's honor to The Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center or the Peoria Cursillo, both of which are very important organizations to our family. The donation links can be found in the "ABOUT" section below.
We invite you to use this site to share stories, upload photos or leave comments for our family. Thank you again for all your love and support!
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Tribute video (short): https://tinyurl.com/dave-tribute-short
Tribute video (long): https://tinyurl.com/dave-tribute-long
Funeral video: https://tinyurl.com/dave-funeral-mass
Unfortunately, the links are not working. Please copy the link into a new browser window to view.
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About |
|---|---|
| Name | Dave Jonas |
| Date of Birth | February 2nd, 1946 |
| Date of Death | September 8th, 2021 |
| Home Town | Brookville, IN, US |
| Favourite Saying | Oh my, my, my.... this is "wurnderful, wurnderful, wurnderful!" Ta Da! Shit or get off the pot! |
| In Memoriam Donation | Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center |
| In Memoriam Donation | Peoria Cursillo |
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Memorial |
|---|---|
| Cemetery | Hirstein Cemetery |
| Address |
Morton IL 61550 United States |
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Family |
|---|---|
| Significant Other | Dee Jonas |
| Children | Annie Lindekugel, Kelly DeMarco, KT Anderson, Matt Jonas, Molly Klein |
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published a tribute .
Hearing that music wasn't one of Dave's talents reminded me of a funny story. At Rose, all students were required to be part of the army ROTC for a minimum of 2 years. That meant that we were required to do the dreaded marching drills carrying an M-1 rifle. UNLESS you could play a musical instrument. Then you could be part of the ROTC Band and practice inside and only occasionally march outside. I played the trumpet so joined the band. After a few practices, I asked the guy playing the base drum (our friend Dave Jonas with no musical talent) if he played the drum in high school. His reply was "no, I've never played it before but I figured how hard could it be if that would get me out of marching."
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published a tribute .
Grateful and blessed to be present via live stream at Dave’s Memorial Mass. It was a beautiful tribute to a man whose faith and family continues to witness to the power of God’s love! Our arms of love surround you, Dee and family! Papa Duck’s smile is forever in our hearts! Love, Peggy and Bill
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published a tribute .
Deepest Sympathy and Prayers for the Family on the Passing of Dave. Dave’s and my paths crossed many times, but the most memorable and enjoyable were the Annual Guys Skiing Trips to Copper Mountain, Colorado. Dave was the center of attention with his wit, humor and skiing ability. And how can one forget that Jonas Smile. He will be missed. God Bless his Family.
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published a tribute .
I didn't actually know Dave well, but I know that he was a wonderful man and a beautiful Christian through knowing his daughter Molly. My most heartfelt condolences Molly, and we KNOW your Dad is with Christ now and completely healed of all his pain!
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published a tribute .
His smile is a gift that continues. For many years I have thought of Dave when someone is taking my picture and I imagine him behind the camera and it brings a smile to my face. Thank you Dave.
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published a comment .
I think this margarita s the best. But boy it’s big. Truly loved life, golf and popcorn.
published a comment .
Dad never wanted to miss out on a margarita! Mom and I laughed so hard one night when we had to roll him out of the Mexican restaurant on his walker and through tears of laughter try and get him in the van. He was beyond being of any help!
published a comment .
I know Dave’s wit, love of music and get in there and get it done attitude through his daughter KT. I had the privilege of meeting Dave a couple times here in Minnesota. Once being KT’s 40th birthday- my was she shocked to have her mom Dad and a couple sisters be there!! He did not miss out on the party and seeing KT look into Dave’s eyes and laugh and story tell like they had secrets was pretty precious. Cheers to a beautiful legacy Dave! Your daughters, son, and grand kiddos will carry it on!
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published a tribute .
Sending the family our thoughts and prayers. Dave was an amazing man. We had many adventures at Catholic Heart Work Camp together with the kids. He was always so kind to all my kids.
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published a tribute .
When I started dating David, I became a part of the ATO family. After graduation, our friendships continued as we met annually in the summer, first camping with our families, then meeting at various homes or locations. As our children started their own families, we started cruising together or finding locations to vacation together. Wherever we went, whatever adventure we went on, our friendships were at the core, our love for each other deepened. And every year we could count on an ATO serenade, with Dave Jonas front and center. What memories we have made over the 50+ years of friendship. We will miss our Dave but feel confident he will always be with us.
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published a tribute .
Dearest Dee,
Dave is at rest, and I thank God for that! As much as I was in awe to see him remaining joyful in his infirmity, I am consoled in knowing that his life now has no limits.
The way he loved you and his children and the way he led his life was the most shining example of how to lead a true Christian life. I'm sure that I speak for all who were fortunate enough to be a friend of his. All conversations with him were centered on Christ and how to be true to Him. His love of life emanated from the joy he got in witnessing God's creation in all of its forms.
What an example he will remain for us!
What a friend and companion he was!
What a source of joy, what a source of good counsel
What a man!
Dee, you were such an integral part of everything Dave was and did.
Together, you indeed had become one and I'm sure all would agree that you continue to carry the spirit that has emanated from your marriage all of these years.
Love to all our Jomas friends,
Lionel & Cecilia
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published a tribute .
Dee, KT, Kelly, Molly, Annie & Matt,
As I look back at this year and what Dave was able to experience because of your Mom's dedication, commitment, and supernatural cargiving and love, we are so grateful.
Just a few of the memorable events we got to share with him this year included:
- His 75th Birthday golf cart parade and celebration
- Milestone anniversary party for the Kuhl's and Reiss's with some of his close friends
- Celebrating my 65th surprise birthday and everyone was playing Happy Birthday with instruments including Dave.
- Going to Hollerbach's German Restaurant and experiencing a fun German meal and entertainment
- A good day on Labor Day with friends
Dee was the most exceptional caregiver we have ever seen--such a devoted wife "until death do us part." She was a role-model for us all. Her goal was to keep him home until his last days and to give him the best quality of life she could--she succeeded!
I remember times when Dee would bring Dave to pickleball in the evenings and Dee would hold up Dave while we would hit him some balls or when we went golfing and Dee would let him try to putt. She just wanted him to experience a little bit of normalcy.
Dave and our mentally-challenged sister, Karen, had a special bond. Whenever we were around Dave, he would always perform his Donald Duck impression for Karen and she would giggle and laugh. Karen was so compassionate and caring toward Dave. When we shared the news that Dave had passed, Karen exclaimed, "DAVE WAS MY FAVORITE--HE WAS MY FAVORITE DAVE! Oh, I feel so bad for Dee."
We cherished our friendship and will deeply miss Dave. However, we are rejoicing that he is in Heaven with our Father and without his Parkinson's Body!!!! He is still with us and our memories with him are still in our hearts.
We will be here for Dee, and look forward to our continued friendship with lots of fun activities and events.
Love, Kristy, Neil & Karen
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published a comment .
We are so grateful for the incredible support, love and friendship our parents have received from their Florida family. It warms our hearts. Initially when thinking of them moving so far away from all of us, it was hard, but in looking back we all know it was the best thing for them. The love they have and continue to receive is incredible. Thank you! You all have such great memories. xoxo
published a comment .
Loved The Jonas Family! Thoughts and prayers going out to each and everyone of you!♥️
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published a tribute .
His body may not have wanted to cooperate, but he could always make you laugh! He definitely loved family and always greeted you with the best hugs.
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Love this story so much! He never let up to the very end! He had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) so whatever it took... he was going to get there.... :)
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published a tribute .
Dear Dee, Annie and all the Jonas' family, I just wanted to let you know that you have been in my prayers as you experience this painful yet hopeful time. Dave is surely dancing in heaven now, knowing him. He was always so kind and so joyful. Mom and Dad offer their prayers too. sr Sarah Rose Eason
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Sr Sarah! Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out. It is really so great to hear from you!!
Lots of memories of our families together!.
published a comment .
Oh my Sr. Sarah! Thank you for reaching out. When we were all together after my dad passed the story of you and I and candy at Martin's Grocery Store came up! I think you know the way that one ended. Too funny! who would have thought snowsuits could be so helpful in grocery stores. Love to you and your family and thank you again! Lots of great memories together. xo
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published a tribute .
Dee and family. So sorry about your loss of Dave, my old classmate and second cousin on the Selm side. A lot of youthful memories. You have our sympathy and prayers.
published a comment .
Thanks. Dave always enjoyed visiting with you when we were in Brookville.
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published a tribute .
Our sympathy to the jonas family. Although we have not seen you in many years we have thought of you many times. You are in our prayers.
Gene and marg voss and family
published a comment .
OH DEE - I'm holding you and your family in prayer during these days. I will call you soon. These days, I'm sure are very busy. I can't recall ever seeing Dave without a smile. He brings a smile to my face even now just thinking about him. God bless you and hold you in comfort and strength and healing love! Blessings! srjacque
Thanks Sr Jacue...you brought a smile to our faces as well!! Great to hear from you....-KT
published a comment .
Dearest Dee
All our love and sympathy at this time of loss. Dave will surely be missed, he was a special guy.
Dave and Mary Beth Lavallee
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published a tribute .
We loved spending time camping and engaging around the fire, He will be missed. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your family.
The Ringeisen Family
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published a tribute .
Dave leaves us with so very many wonderful memories. The devoted husband and Dad as well as a man who knew how to be your best friend. Dave & Bob became best buddies while attending Rose Hulman college. He was in our wedding and Godfather to our son. His smile and gentle words always warmed your heart. We have been blessed to have him our life for so very long and now he is playing his kazoo and leading song to McNamara's Band. God bless Dee and family as they work through a not easy time.
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published a comment .
Thank you, I did not know Dave but always heard wonderful stories about him
He was blessed with a beautiful family. When the time is right, your musical friends welcome you back
published a comment .
Dave was my first Superintendent at Cat Morton and I really enjoyed talking with him. Till we meet in Heaven, RIP.
published a comment .
Dear Dee and Family, We were very sad to learn of Dave's passing. Our Hearts go out to you and your Family. You became a part of our life way back in 1989 when our Family moved to Brussels,Belgium with Caterpillar. We have very fond memories of those days that included you and Dave and other Caterpillar Families. We are very sorry for your loss. We remember you as a wonderful Christian Family, having a Beautiful Family, and being a lot of fun at our get togethers in Brussels. So sorry we lost touch with you! God's Blessings and Love, Bev and Steve Hoffman
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published a tribute .
Dee we have missed you both since the move from Idlewood St. You and Dave were wonderful neighbors and church-mates. No doubt you and the kids provided Dave with the best love and care up to when he met our Lord. Now Dave is in His care. We hope your happy memories provide comfort and peace in your hearts.
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published a tribute .
Dear Dee and Family . . . Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of Dave.
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published a tribute .
Mrs Jonas and family our prayers go out to you. I have memories as kid playing with your kids and Mr Jonas working with my dad. They both pass on their prayers to you as well. Tony Voss
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published a tribute .
Dee and family. Our deepest sympathy on Dave’s passing. We’ve known your family for so long in Morton with Molly and Dawn being friends and working with Dave at Caterpillar. Then for our last chapter of life here in The Villages. Dave was so courageous in his battle of that horrible disease and Dee you were right by his side so strong. He is free of it now and in a better place. God bless you and the family.
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published a tribute .
Though it’s been awhile since we last talked my conversations with Dave always took us back to Cursillo weekends and the way others sharpen us in our faith. Dave sharpened us all, was a class act and I will treasure my memory of him.
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published a tribute .
Dee and family: My prayers and condolences to you all. My love to you all. Dave is in Heaven with my Pat and my Michelle.Gof Bless you all.
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published a tribute .
Dave and I have been friends since 1964 when we were both engineering students at Rose Polytechnic Institute. We continued our friendship at Caterpillar. Dave was part of our five man, Education Through Books, discussion group that met every month. He was not only intelligent, but also had a great sense of humor.
After retirement, we renewed our friendship in The Villages, FL. What a great guy with a strong Christian faith. He was a blessing to all who knew him.
Diane and I have enjoyed Dee and Dave so much. We are confident that Dave is with God for eternity. Our love and prayers to Dee and family.
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published a tribute .
So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Dave shared many of his gifts with others. We enjoyed his gift of music with the Banjo group.
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published a tribute .
Prayers for you family, and condolences with your lose
My brother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 3 years ago, he and Dave graduated together
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published a comment .
I laughed and I cried at the same time at all the family and friend''s stories and memories about Dave! My memories of Dave are always positive and comical. A Super Nice Gentleman! My parents and I always enjoyed rememberng the time Dave was Santa Claus at Grandma Weisenbach''s house. When Dave (Santa) left, he opened the front door and jumped over her porch railing and landed on the road out front. He was a Very Good Entertaining Santa!!
published a comment .
My initial thought: He is Safe In The Arms of Jesus! Most certainly, Dave Jonas is finally liberated from the trials of these past few years. I pray he is smiling and shouting to us to remember to "Learn how to Dance in the Rain". He certainly did! Secondly, we are in awe of Dee Jonas.... You are and have been an incredible gift to Dave for so many years. We saw you laugh together and cry as well. It has been an inspiration to be your friends for so many years. God Bless all of the Jonas family these days! Certainly you have much to celebrate. The Kuhl's
published a comment .
Please know that you have our deepest sympathy. He was a wonderful man.
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published a tribute .
I will miss seeing him walking around the neighborhood, always with an upbeat attitude and kind words.
Dee and family, I'm sure you have abundant, cheerful memories to cherish and he will live on forever in your hearts.
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published a tribute .
Dee,
I was very sorry to hear about Dave. I was a Rose student and an ATO brother who was lucky enough to share a room with Dave in the old fraternity house. He was one of the nicest people I encountered during my years at Rose. I wish you and your family all the best as you deal with your loss.
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published a tribute .
Dave was a really great guy, great friend and a pretty good Kazoo player.
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published a comment .
Andrea, I'm Tom Bader. I knew Dave as an ATO Brother at Rose. I noticed your name "Harrell" is the same as my Mother's maiden name. Her family was from DuPont, IN not to far from Brookville. I wonder if we might be related.
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published a tribute .
Dee, Maire and I were so sorry to hear that Dave had past. I remember him well as an older ATO Brother. Always a positive person and keeper of the house. I was a year behind Dave at Rose and it was his class that was assigned to keep us pledges in line. He was one of the nicest.
Our prayers go to you and your family.
Tom
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published a tribute .
My husband Tom and I both have fond memories of Dave from growing up together in Brookville Indiana. Dave and his family were wonderful, warm, welcoming neighbors of mine. I spent a lot of time in their home, hanging out with his sister Nancy and Ruth Anne. Dave and I were good friends and briefly were a couple! Sharing our interests, passions and visions of our futures! Tom spent a lot of time riding horses together. Of course both of our families shopped at Jonas’s grocery in the Valley! I’m sure he was a great son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and friend. May he and your family Rest In Peace.
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published a tribute .
Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.
Our high school class was very close, and most of us
still keep in touch. Such a sad loss for your family>
Prayers.
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published a tribute .
What a valiant fighter. God Bless his sweet soul and also Dee and family
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published a tribute .
Uncle Dave was such a wonderful man and someone I will always look up to. He was a part of my life as long as I can remember. It is hard to single out just a handful of the memories as they were so many: camping trips, visits to Morton, traveling through Normandy, and the list goes on and on. However, two constants I can always remember are his faith and his love of popcorn!
On a visit to our home about eight years ago we were talking about making popcorn on the stove top and he shared a story about how growing up his family would save bacon grease in a mayonnaise jar and then use the bacon grease to make stove top popcorn. By all means the best way to improve popcorn is add bacon! I encourage everyone to save your bacon grease this Saturday morning and use it to make stove top popcorn later in the evening for movie night. Enjoy and think of Uncle Dave when you do!
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published a comment .
Hi Dave I know you are looking down on us, don't give up on us. I have always looked up to you, but you were 6' 2" and I was only 5' 8". We will miss you brother, love you, your brother Joe and family.
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published a tribute .
We so enjoyed the friendship of Dee and Dave when we lived in Morton, Il., and we were all raising our young families. Their home was filled with joy, laughter and music! They helped bring Teens Encounter Christ to Kansas City, and three of our children loved that weekend experience. We are so grateful to God for their example of the sanctity of marriage as Dee cared for Dave during his struggles with Parkinson’s. We believe that God’s arms were open wide, welcoming Dave into heaven saying “Well done Good and Faithful servant!” Dee, we continue to keep you and your family close in our hearts and prayers!! All our love, Peggy and Bill
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published a tribute .
Dee & Dave were the very definition of bravery. For many years they forged together through the uncharted course of a cruel & debilitating disease with courage & love for each other, their family, & friends.What an inspiration! Dave will be sorely missed. We love you, Dee. Mike & Illa Conklin
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published a comment .
Dave is at last free to sing and dance and play his kazoo to his heart’s content !
Dee certainly lived out her vows with the love of her life. What an inspiration to all of us. We love you Dee. Shari & Vic Jamnik
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published a tribute .
I’ll always remember the way Uncle Dave would say, “Heyyyyyyyy Miss Andrea!” ❤️
published a comment .
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was SUCH a wonderful example of Jesus’ heart. I
Served on a TEC team with him several years ago, and he and Dee were a big influence on our children’s lives during their time at TEC. SUCH a good guy!! I know he’ll be missed so much but we all have wonderful memories of him and we can carry those in our hearts forever. Fly
High Dave! Well done my good and faithful servant
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published a tribute .
My brother and I want to extend our condolences and love to you and your family. ...
published a comment .
What a great guy , high school classmate , husband, father, grandfather and a determined human being trying to rid the world of Parkinson's.
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published a tribute .
I think of hospitality-Dave was so
Welcoming-Dave is at Home
W ith his Lord, family that was
Waiting for him, enjoying the
Ultimate hospitality-
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published a comment .
I only knew Dave for a brief moment in his earthly lifetime and even though he was shackled in body by terrible Parkinson’s, his will and spirit were undaunted. His courage and inspiration was a gift to us all and for that, I shall be forever grateful. Love ‘n hugs to Dave’s precious Dee and the rest of their beautiful family.
published a comment .
Dave Jonas was a Man of God, a FAMILY man and a true GENTLE-man. He always seemed high on the simple joys of living. He made each/any of us feel special likely because to him we were special.
Dave leaves us with a huge earthly void but also leaves us the wonderful legacy of his sweetheart Dee and their beautiful family.
Jack and Margie Borst
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published a comment .
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