Joseph C. (Joe) Juinta, 79

Joseph C. (Joe) Juinta, 79, died June 4, 2012, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene. He was born Sept. 29, 1932, in Pueblo, Colo., to Joe Juinta and Garnet (Parks) Juinta.

He is survived by his wife, Sheri (Robertson) Juinta; children, Shelley Mahuka and Steve Theil, Suzanne Morrison and Jim Payne, Joseph (Tony) Talacko and Eva, Stephanie Kelley and Loran; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his best four legged buddy, Tucker.

In June 1953 Joe married the love of his life Sheri, and he passed away just days short of their 59th wedding anniversary. Joe served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1960 and was a Korean War Veteran. Following the Air Force, he was employed by the Employment Security Department, and then earned his master’s degree in special education at CWU, teaching for five years before becoming a Kittitas County Deputy Sheriff.

Joe retired in 1993 and enjoyed his remaining years traveling, fishing and puttering around his garage. Joe loved all babies. When he was at church on Sunday he enjoyed his visits with a special little girl named Zoe who always brought a smile to his face. Joe also loved animals and couldn’t pass by a dog without stopping to pet.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Garnet Shoblom; father Joe Juinta and grandson Jesse Hernandez.

Viewing will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, June 8, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012, at St. Pius X, 625 East Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene. St. Pius X will be serving lunch following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Joe’s name to Kootenai Humane Society, 11600 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID 83835 or St. Vincent de Paul, 201 E. Harrison, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Turtles and Ducks Forever — please sign Joe’s guest book and view an online memorial at englishfuneralchapel.com.