Gareld (Gary) Jules Jouvenat

Neil…I called you a few years back, wondering where Gary was living, sorry to hear of his death. I had fond memories of the 1961 meeting of Gary at KU, and in the 70’s in film industries. God Bless Gary…Pat

Anna, I am shocked and so sad. I have been living in Victoria for almost 4 years. I wish I had known you and Gary were here. I have tried to find you two many times.Take care ,please contact me, Love, Lynne

Anna- I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember the times that my Dad had him come out to the farm to help with the hay harvest, just saw a picture of him a few weeks ago from that period of my life. I was always in awe of my big cousin, but he was one to make me feel special. Sorry that the contacts were not kept up. I know he was also special to his Uncle Larry and Aunt Joyce since he was their first nephew. Our prayers are with you and Gareld, and the rest of my cousins.
John and Penny Kunkel

Jouvenat family~~~you are all in our thoughts at this time Praying that you are recalling fond memories of your wonderful family and your good times together. David, our friend, your words were so moving. Janet & Gayle.

Gary is my big brother. Since Gary is older than I, he has many other things to do than worry about me. Don’t get me wrong, he is tough and has my back and protects me if needed. I just wish I knew him better.

Some things I do know for sure…. He’s strong, dedicated, athletic, and has a great sense of humor. I don’t know if he was a class clown in school – I can just imagine because he taught me well. He taught me how to fold newspapers for my paper route.

In the mid fifties, we experienced the fellowship of building our model railroad layout together – a Lionel Lines railroad was really cool. We would turn out all the lights and let the choo-choos sing to us. I still remain nostalgic with the memory of Gary and I working on the wiring and scenic touches of our primitive layout.

He taught me the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. He dedicated our Boy Scout troop to be involved in performing Native Indian Dances – based on and helped by the people from the Koshare Indian Dancers in La Junta, CO. We hand-made our bustles, costumes, dance bells, drums and used bead-looms to string our own beaded bracelets and chokers.

He exemplified the lessons from our parents about being proud to be Jouvenats and to never bring shame to the family name.

In the mid-seventies, while visiting him in California, Gary and I spent the day at a new theme park and rode the “American Revolution” roller-coaster over and over for most of the day. Great fun.

I remember him being so very happy when he and Anna celebrated their wedding and so proud when their son Gareld was born. They visited us in Nebraska when Gareld was just a six month old baby and were two of the most adoring parents I think I’ve ever seen.

Sadly, Gary and I never had an opportunity to ever have deep emotional conversations even after we became adults. He seemed to hold back his emotions or feelings and would pretty-much tough everything out. I regret that we left developing a stronger and deeper friendship out of our relationship.

I have missed Gary for a very long time and will always continue to do so. But nothing can ever change my love for my big brother.

In spirit with him,

David

Gary had a profound influence on my interest in, and dedication to, athletics during my sophomore year (1958-59) at Columbus (Nebr) Senior High School. I fondly remember our after-school afternoons when he and I ran a mile or two during the winter, and lifted weights, to “get in shape” for the track season. I was always inspired by his tenacity in football and track, and his magnanimity in taking a lowly sophomore under his wing for workouts. I send my sympathy and best wishes to Neil, David and Suzanne.
Kurt L.
Malvern, PA

I remember Gary from the Class of 1959, Columbus High School, Columbus, NE. My sincerest sympathy.