John Gerard Joachim – avid gardener and WWII veteran

John Gerard Joachim, “Big John,” died peacefully and with
dignity at home in Healdsburg on November 24, 2002 at the age of
83. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Connie Magness Joachim
and preceded in death by the late Kathryn Masterson Joachim. He is
survived by his children Nancy Joachim of Sacramento, Leslie
Szczurek and her husband, Robert of Santa Cruz, Fred Joachim and
wife Elaine of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, Martha Ruiz and her husband
Sal of Saratoga, step-daughter Audrei Allen of Angels Camp,
California, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by
his brother Leroy, his parents, Leroy and Eleanor, and a
grandfather Gerard Joachim, who also lived in Healdsburg and owned
a nursery around the turn of the century. John was born in San
Francisco on February 11, 1919, and was very proud to be a native
Californian. He loved feeding the California Quail in his
neighborhood, and cultivating the poppies along his driveway. He
also enjoyed the Sierras and the Sonoma Coast, especially when it
was stormy. He was an orchardist before serving in the U.S. Army,
Second Armored Division in the European Theater during WWII. He was
awarded a Certificate of Merit in recognition of a “conspicuously
meritorious and outstanding performance of military duty.” After
the war, he became a plant engineer in the paper conversion
industry in San Jose and retired in 1984, at which time he moved to
Healdsburg. He delivered Meals on Wheels, attended the Healdsburg
Community Church, was a member of the Eagles Aerie No. 1673, and
the Audubon Society. He enjoyed fishing, camping, astronomy,
gardening, and reading, and supplied the Healdsburg Food Pantry
with produce from his community garden while keeping his wife busy
canning and preserving for several weeks at a time. His humor will
be missed, as will his beloved dog Chelsea, who also had cancer,
and whom he walked daily in River’s Bend. A private celebration of
his life will be observed in the near future in Bodega Bay.
Donations may be made to VNA & Hospice 1110 N. Dutton Avenue,
Santa Rosa, California 95401, or to the Healdsburg Community Church
Building Fund.