Samuel J. Jeske

Samuel J. Jeske September 22, 1910 - February 8, 2009 Samuel J. Jeske, 98, of Rulison, (Parachute), passed away February 8, 2009. Sam was born September 22, 1910 in Philadelphia, PA to Jacob and Elizabeth (Pede) Jeske. Sam attended school in Philadelphia and at 14 years old started working on a farm where he continued until 1935 when he enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed at Ft. Clayton in the Panama Canal zone. He was discharged in 1938 and joined the US Reserves. He was called back to duty in 1940 and was stationed at Ft. Lee, VA. In 1944 he was sent to the New Guinea Campaign. On February 9, 1946 he married Irma (Roberts) Yunker in Trenton, NJ. In 1947 he was stationed in occupied Japan and in 1950 was entailed in the Korean Campaign. In 1954 he went to Germany until 1956 when he was sent back to the states and traveled all of the US until his last post in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1961 when he retired. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal WWII with Japan clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar. Sam was a lifetime member of the Retired Non-Commission Officers Organization of Texas & Colorado; the Veteran's of Foreign Wars; the American Legion and was a charter member of the Sierra Vista VFW of Arizona. In 1963 Sam moved to Denver, CO and worked for the Federal Center until 1974 when he retired and he and his wife moved to Rulison. He became involved in the Rifle Senior Center as a volunteer. His passions were singing, dancing and fishing. He enjoyed taking care of his fruit trees and collecting the harvest. He was a very active member of the Grand Valley Christian Church. His passion for singing had him joining the Swinging Seniors and the Sagebrush Singers, taking part in the Sagebrush Concerts held at the Battlement Rec. Center. Sam enjoyed traveling to nursing homes and assisted living homes to entertain the residents with the Sagebrush Singers. Sam is survived by his son, Alvin (Betty) Roberts of Levittown, PA; daughter, Evelyn (Eugene) Scott of Rulison, CO; nephew, Dick (Joan) Ortlieb of Grass Valley, CA; grandchild, Bonnie Patterson of Rulison, CO; great grandchild, Sean Patterson of Rulison, CO, and great great grandchild, Kristopher Raymond Patterson of Rulison, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his brothers and sisters. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grand Valley Christian Church in Parachute. Pastor Lois Smith will officiate. Interment will be Tuesday, February 24, at 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rifle. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Grand Valley Christian Church, 116 W. 2nd St., Parachute, CO 81635; or the Rifle Senior Center, 50 Ute Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650.