Joseph E. Zaladonis

Joseph Edward Zaladonis was born to John and Rose Zaladonis in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on August 3, 1954. He was proud to call Idaho Falls his hometown.
Joe was educated at Holy Rosary Elementary, Clair E. Gale, and Idaho Falls High School, graduating in 1972. Shortly after graduation, Joe enlisted in the Air Force and began his 23-year military career. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB, he was off on his first big adventure - getting stationed at Clark AFB, Philippines. There, he trained and worked as a medic and married Jojo Marzes in 1975. By 1976, he was stationed at Hill AFB, Utah, where his daughters, Jocelyn and May, were born. From that time forward, he worked as a physical therapy tech, a field that held a lifelong interest for Joe. His work afforded him the opportunity to travel and make friends from all walks of life. Best of all, it capitalized on one of Joe's many strengths - his ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.
Following divorce from Jojo in 1982, Joe enjoyed a number of interesting assignments, including Lakenheath AFB, England; Maxwell AFB, Alabama; George AFB, California; and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. His children resided with their mother and stepfather in Texas, but reunited with Joe and his family in Idaho Falls every summer. He created wonderful memories of summers spent traveling, playing games, and spending quality time together. Regardless of distance, he was a great hands-on dad who was always there for his girls. Retiring from the military as a master sergeant in 1995, he moved home to be near his parents in Idaho Falls. Following his father's untimely death just weeks after his retirement, Joe became his mother's primary caretaker until her death in April 1996.
A lifelong seeker of knowledge, Joe spent much time researching anything from guns to physical therapy, electronics to music, religion and beyond. Joe was adept at gathering information and sharing what he knew in a way that was easy to understand. If you had a question, Joe would find the answer.
Jocelyn relocated to Pocatello from Texas with her husband in 2008 and his first grandchild, Julia, was born in April 2009. There was no greater joy in the last years that could compare to the light Julia brought to Joe's life - their bond was that special. Countless hours he devoted to caring and playing with her, indulging her, and teaching her things only a silly Papa could. He also enjoyed nearly a year with Jocelyn's second child, Grayson, who was born in November 2011. He was his grandchildren's best playmate. Jocelyn and May were blessed to have lived near their dad the past several years, giving them and their children precious memories that will go beyond the pain of having to say goodbye to their dear daddy and Papa too soon.

Joe left this life unexpectedly on October 24, 2012. His two girls, his brothers, and his sister were all proud to call him best friend. He was so loved, and will be so sorely missed. Reunited now with the two best friends he missed most - his mother and father - we know he is happy. Daddy, watch over us with them now and always, until that sweet day when we are all together again.
Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters and their spouses, Jocelyn and Jeff Walters and May and Richard Rippy; his two beloved grandchildren, Julia and Grayson Walters; brother John Zaladonis; brother Art Zaladonis and his daughter Dani Hagemeister; sister Helen Lempke, her spouse Brant and their daughter Kate; mother of his children Jojo Storm; uncle Larry Zaladonis and his five children, Joyce, Patty, Ed, Mike, and Bob; his good friend John Mickulin; and countless other friends he touched throughout his life.
A private memorial service was held by Joe's family in Idaho Falls to celebrate his life. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe's memory to Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center ( http://www.boise.va.gov/giving/ ) and Help Inc. (helpincidaho.org/donate.html).