Paul Edward Jonke Sr., age 77 of Mentor, passed away December 29th, 2024 at the Cleveland Clinic in Mentor. He was born July 18th, 1947 in Euclid, OH to the late Carl and Agnes Jonke.
Paul was the co-owner of JP Products and Four Star Machine in Mentor.
Paul was a member of the Cleveland Softball Hall of Fame. He managed his men’s softball team “Four Star Machine” to two National Championships. He enjoyed fishing, playing craps at the casino, spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Paul was a parishioner, volunteer, former lay distributor and PSR Teacher at St. Mary of The Assumption in Mentor. He also volunteered at St. Pat’s Church in Cleveland feeding the homeless for the past 10 years.
Paul was the loving husband for 55 years to Sue Jonke; beloved father of Paul (Annie) Jonke Jr., Debbie Jonke-Novak, Suzanne (Robert) Henderson, Jason (Kerry) Jonke and Michael (Sarah) Jonke; dearest grandfather of Jordan (Alex) Jonke, Joey, Eddie and Sophie Jonke, Charlotte, Rory and Cora Jonke; great grandfather of Emma; brother of Denis (Elaine-deceased) Jonke and Carl Jonke; brother in law of Janet Cerne and Joann Harvey; uncle to many nieces and nephews; and loving pets Reggie and the late Buster.
The Jonke family will receive family and friends Friday, January 3rd, 2025 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM at McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor. A private burial will be held at All Souls Cemetery at a later date.
Donations can be made in Paul’s name to The St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org or to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Painesville.
Reader interactions
4 Replies to “Paul Edward Jonke Sr.”
My 1st ever “Big Time” softball sponsor! Four Star Machine…owe a lot to Paul!! Loved playing for him! Great guy! RIP
Dear Suzie and all the family,
Over the many years I have known Suzie, I have enjoyed the many family photos she has posted on FB. Paul always had such a sweet expression on his face. The love he had for his family and they likewise for him was clearly evident. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you keep him close in the many memories of good times together you have all shared.
Dear Sue,
l was saddened to hear about Paul and wish you my sincere condolences.
Paul was one of a kind and special in many ways. He exemplified what a person should be, kind, sincere, honest and a great sense of humor. i don’t have all the words to express what an out standing person he was. l know we hadn’t been in touch much in the past number of years but still considered him a very special friend. He will be truly missed. Lots of love to you and the family.
This was my great grandpa may him rest in peace and thank you for your service at the funeral home.
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