Curtis Edward Jokinen
June 22, 1965 - January 31, 2025
Obituary
Curtis Edward Jokinen, age 59, sadly passed away in the early hours of Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, WA. In May of 2024, he began the fight of his life, and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and other members of his family. He was, and will always be remembered as a beloved husband, brother, son, uncle, and friend.
Curt was born on June 22, 1965, in Tukwila, WA to his parents Sharon and Curtis Jokinen. He grew up in Burien with his little sister, Kimberly, and his little brother, Todd. When Curt was 13, their father unexpectedly passed away, suddenly leaving him to be the man of the house within his grieving family. Being strong and protective of his family, Curt stepped into that role which shaped him at such a young age into the fun-loving and caring source of strength he grew up to be.
Even after Sharon remarried Curt’s stepfather, Ted, Curt continued to be a watchful big brother to Kim and Todd. He taught them to fish, play baseball, build forts, and ride bikes. But he would also be the stereotypical older brother, laughing at Kim when he locked her out of the house or when he dressed Todd in silly outfits. Although the three siblings suffered great loss at a young age, they grew closer together and formed an enduring bond. A bond and friendship with his siblings he would always talk about fondly because he was so immensely proud of them.
He was similarly proud of the relationship he had with the love of his life: Beth. Curt & Beth met on a blind date on August 17, 1989. Their date involved card games, Curt sliding coins to Beth so she could keep playing, and enchanting conversation which led to an official first date. After Beth gave Curt only her work number, forgetting to put her home number on her business card, Curt had to wait all weekend to call and talk to her. Being together nearly 36 years, the call was clearly worth the wait. They began nearly 33 years of marriage on August 22, 1992. If anyone asked Curt about either of these dates, he could recite both without any hesitation. Beth was, as Curt put it, “the best thing that ever happened to him”, and his true love. Their marriage was what most people desire: to marry their best friend and to find joy with each other every day.
Curt was always happiest when he was with Beth, especially if they were on an adventure enjoying the outdoors with their two labs, Lewis and Willow. Their dogs always accompanied them on stays at their favorite spots in Washington, including Silver Lake where Curt would go fishing as a child, Westport, and Ocean Shores. He took delight in watching the water, savoring the peace and quiet, and catching a fish or two if he was lucky.
Although he relished in the getaways he and Beth would go on, he was also boastful when it came to discussing his work. Last year, he celebrated his 40th year working for the Rainier Golf & Country Club as a maintenance technician. He referred to work as one of his safe places, and often expressed how important his job was to him.
His loyalty to his job is a testament to who Curt was as a person. He was loyal in his friendships, many of which spanned multiple decades. His family was also of great value to him. When surrounded by his loved ones, Curt’s smile would get bigger and his blue eyes would get brighter. But to know Curt was to know he endowed the same feeling onto others. He made everyone’s smiles bigger, eyes brighter, and laughter louder, and now those who loved him find their worlds much dimmer. He was a source of comfort and a pillar of strength to everyone fortunate enough to be in his presence. There are no words worthy enough to describe how hard he fought for his wife, family, and friends.
Curt’s passing was preceded by his father Curtis, his mother Sharon, his stepfather Ted, and his brother Todd. His memory will live on through his wife Beth, his sister Kim, and the rest of his loving family and friends.
Beth and the rest of Curt’s family would like to express their gratitude to all of those who have provided their support and kind words during this devastating time. The love for Curt has not gone unnoticed, and it has brought his loved one’s solace.
Beth and family,
My most sincere condolences to Beth and family. May God be with you during this very sad and difficult time and may he fill your hearts with peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Curt is in Gods paradise now, Heaven, in his arms and at peace. May God bless all of you.
Julie Sagona
DEAR BETH & KIMBERLY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CURT. I JUST FOUND OUT ON FB/ MESSENGER JIM H. POST. & I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT TODD’S PASSING LAST YEAR. I’M SHOCKED TO SAY THE LEAST. PLEASE YOU TWO KEEP BEING STRONG LIKE YOU ARE ALREADY. MUCH LOVE TWO YOU BOTH. BUD L.