Gerald "Yogi" Michael Jochim

Gerald Michael Jochim, 70, died on September 15, 2010 at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gerald known as Yogi to all his family and friends was born in Mandan, North Dakota in 1940 to Christina Pfau (Frank) and Michael Jochim. Gerald graduated from Bismarck High School in 1959 where he was an all-around athlete proudly representing his school in swimming, track, basketball, and football. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Jochim (Weber), and together they raised four children. He moved to Scottsdale in 1982 where he worked in sales and eventually owned and operated his own business “Yogi’s Auto Sales” for many years. During his leisure time he enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family and friends. Gerald is survived by his ex-wife Mary Ann Jochim of Scottsdale, AZ and their four children Kerry Dawson of Manhattan Beach, CA; Sandy Wigdore and her husband Jay of Chandler, AZ; Jerry Jochim and his wife Jennifer of Atlanta, GA; Paula Swift and her husband Brian of Davidson, NC; and ten grandchildren he adored Michael, Lauren, Ivy, Matthew, Andrew, Emma, Grace, Markus, Harrison, and Miles. He is also survived by his sister Gardy Price of CA; and brothers Arnold Jochim of TX; and Chuck Pfau of CA . He was preceded in death by his father Michael Jochim, his mother Christina (Frank) Pfau, his step-father Stanley Pfau, his brothers Floyd Jochim and Rick Pfau. Gerald was a loving Father, Grandfather, and Friend. He was beloved by all and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Funeral Service. Funeral Service will be held to honor his life at 2:30PM, Thursday, September 23, 2010 in Green Acres Chapel of Light in Scottsdale. The family invites all of his friends to come and celebrate his life with them. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte at P.O. Box 34787 Charlotte, NC 28234 in honor of his special granddaughter Emma.