JOLSTEAD, JERRY ALF Age 75, passed away on September 28, 2006. A current resident of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, he owned and operated Running Bear Mortgage throughout Arizona and Nevada. Born in Potlatch, Idaho to Alf and Devota Jolstead on April 12, 1931, Jerry enjoyed a full life with his wife and 6 children; he had more enthusiasm than possibly imaginable. Jerry moved from Lewiston, Idaho in 1950 and joined the Navy during the Korean War. He became a radio shack operator and won awards for his ability to send and received coded communications in three different languages. He was a radio operator on the DE LeRay Wilson 414 stationed out of San Diego. In late 1953 he was honorably discharged earning six naval accommodations. After Korea he attended and graduated from Washington State University where he was a sports announcer and TV talk show host in Spokane. Jerry played football in high school and for the Cougars. He was lovingly knows as the "Bear". After earning his degree Jerry worked in Los Angeles at a major TV station. Jerry moved to San Bernardino in 1960 where he worked at KFXM 590, then moved to KITO radio where he helped build K/MEN 129 radio into the #1 Rock 'n' Roll station of the 60s. He also worked collaboratively to bring The Rolling Stones, Donovan and several other well known groups to the U.S. for their signing debut. In late 1978, Jerry assisted the owners of radio station KBBL 99.1 in launching the brand new sound of radio station KGGI/99.1 in late 1978; it became the new #1 station in just a few months. In the mid 70's, Jerry established Bear Broadcasting and purchased K/GUY radio in Palm Desert and commuted from his home in Grand Terrace. Jerry opened Running Bear Mortgage in 1991, and eventually expanded the business to include five offices throughout Arizona & Nevada. The company was named after one of Joan and Jerry's favorite songs at the time, "Running Bear Loved Little White Dove". Jerry was a life-time animal lover. He never saw a dog he didn't like! Jerry had a long-time commitment to the Western Arizona Humane Society and to the care of the sick and/or injured dogs. Jerry loved to fly and owned his own own plane. He was also very athletic and enjoyed boating and all types of sports. Jerry leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Joan Jolstead; his son, Mark Jolstead and daughter-in-law Terian; son, Brent Jolstead and daughter-in-law Marisa; son, Michael Jolstead; daughter Jennefer Collins and son-in-law Patrick; daughter, Patrice Blank and son-in-law Mark; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Sannie Covelli of Colorado; aunt, Shirley Jolstead of Lewiston, Idaho; 17 grandchildren; God-child, Treana Rodelas, and beloved company employees. Jerry was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, and employer. Private family services will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery. His family has requested donations be made to the Western Arizona Humane Society, 1100 Empire Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Family member e-mail address: [email protected]
Published in the Press-Enterprise on 10/13/2006