Gerard “Gerry” Max Joske, 95 years, passed away February 19, 2021 due to an injury sustained from a fall.
Gerard was born May 8, 1925 in Leipzig, Germany. His family immigrated to France in 1933 where they settled in Southern France in the small village of Vence, near Nice. In 1941, at a very young age, Gerry was recruited from the Boy Scouts to the French Resistance battling the Nazi’s through the end of World War II.
He and his wife Angele immigrated to the U.S in 1949, living in New York City initially, eventually settling in Southern California.
In order to afford passage to visit family in France, Gerry secured an airline job with Trans World Airlines (TWA). He had a passion for aviation and was recognized for his skills and knowledge along with having a friendly, positive manner of dealing with all situations whether challenging or not. He spent 34 years with TWA. After settling in Fillmore California in 1983, he held a few part time jobs, which included driving for the local bus company (FATCO), farming his property and being a regular at the Ventura Farmer’s Market. He also worked as a volunteer in Fillmore for various causes.
He loved to camp and fish, which included a 50-year membership in the Wally Byam Airstream Club and was a member of the retired TWA trailer club.
He is survived by three children; Jacqueline Hettlinger, Denis Joske and Raymond Joske. Six Grandchildren; Theresa Fortier, Jordan Alexander, Spencer Joske, Jenna Maloney, Jacob Joske and Cara Joske. Four Great Grandchildren; Isabella Fortier, Akela Fortier, Nathan Fortier and James Maloney.
There will be a private interment at the Bardsdale Cemetery on March 26, 2021 at 1:00pm.