Obituary: Corky "Jaws" Joslin

Corky "Jaws" K. Joslin, 77 of Sturgeon Lake, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at his home under the care of his loving family and St. Croix Hospice. Corky completed his final "marathon of life" with friends and family cheering him on, as he crossed the finish line. God was the first to take him into His loving arms and welcome him with the most gratifying reward of all ... eternal life in His beautiful, heavenly kingdom.

Corky was born in Minneapolis on Nov. 20, 1946 to Sammie Wilson. He lived most of his childhood in Stanton, North Dakota, until the spring of 1957, when his family boarded a train with only a few belongings and moved to California, following a good portion of his relatives. He loved growing up in Southern California and graduated from Brea Olinda High School in 1964. While in high school, he was very active in sports, playing varsity basketball and excelling in track. He spent a lot of time at the beach, when he wasn't working at his multiple jobs. Corky also served in the National Guards for six years, before attending Dickinson State College in the fall of 1968. In 1973, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and Physical Education. In his college years, Corky was an elite tennis player and excelled to be rated number two in the state, winning many tournament matches. In the fall of 1973, he began his teaching career in Esko, Minnesota. Corky was active in the Esko athletic program, coaching boys' junior varsity basketball, and assisting the varsity basketball and track coaches. During his 35 years of teaching, he became known as "Jaws." Corky built a strong art curriculum, as he loved his job! He attracted many students, because he had a reputation for bringing out hidden talent of students, who felt themselves void of any artistic skills.

Corky married the love of his life, Debra Koski on August 27, 1976, in Duluth, Minnesota. In 1978, they made their home in Esko, where they raised their three wonderful children. They also started a pottery business, producing and selling their pottery throughout the Midwest and beyond at various fine art shows, festivals, and state fairs. They loved traveling the art circuit, as they developed a huge circle of everlasting friendships throughout the years. Due to Corky's dementia, he was unable to continue the pottery, for the past three years, but Deb is devoting her time and talents to keep his memory alive through the business. Corky loved coaching his kids in various sports throughout their elementary years, and enjoyed watching them as they excelled in later years, participating in cross-country meets, basketball, track, and softball. In addition to his kids' activities, he was an avid runner, participating in numerous races including Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma's Marathon several times, and his most prestigious race, " The Boston Marathon" in 1987. After retiring from teaching in 2008, he was able to enjoy living on the lake. He loved having breakfast, lunch and dinner on the deck while taking in the natural beauty of his surroundings. He loved cruising on the pontoon and taking an occasional dip in the lake, fishing, working in the pottery shop at his own leisure, playing a round of golf occasionally with his son, and doing yardwork. He also enjoyed bowling with his son on Monday nights and occasionally on a mixed league with his wife and daughters. In 2021, he was blessed with two granddaughters, born 11 days apart, then another 18 months later! He absolutely enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, who gave him his new name "Poppy".

Corky is survived by his wife of 47 years, Debbie; son, Justin Joslin of Sturgeon Lake; daughters, Jamie (Jason) Melander of Barnum; Lacey Joslin of Sturgeon Lake; granddaughters, Brynlee, Mila and Medley; sister, Georgene (Randy) Heitz of Detroit Lakes, MN; sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Doug) Friedman of Irvine, CA; Rebecca (Bill) Soboleski of Cloquet; a special uncle and aunt, Robert and Sue Wilson of Bullhead City, AZ; many nieces and nephews; and last but not least, his beloved dog, "Peanut".

The family would like to express thanks to the entire St. Croix Hospice Team, specifically nurses, Alicia, Jen, and aide, Jenna, who provided Corky with exceptional care, comfort and compassion; social worker, Angela and Dennis Morreim for their comforting support and numerous visits. They also greatly appreciated their good neighbors, Gerene and Gary Johnson, who brought meals and treats over every week, and kept Corky company while the family needed a break.

Corky was preceded in death by his mother, Sammie Wilson Matyas; stepfather, Russell Joslin; and numerous aunts and uncles, who were very dear to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from Noon until the 1 PM Memorial Service on Monday, April 8, 2024 in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Cloquet. In honor of Corky, please feel free to wear his favorite color blue and/or running shoes to his Celebration of Life!

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.