Ralph George Jakwerth

June 14, 1928 - December 4, 2019

Ralph George Jakwerth of Brea, CA, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on December 4 at the age of 91. Born in Lakewood, Ohio on June 14, 1928, he was the oldest child of Nick and Susan Jakwerth. Ralph grew up in Lakewood attending Lakewood High School where he was captain of the wrestling team. After graduation he spent two years serving in the US Navy on the ship USS Gurke. Upon his Honorable Discharge he enrolled at Ohio State University and as in high school Ralph wrestled on the University team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Armed with his degree along with his experience as a Registered Pharmacist, Ralph started work as a Pharmaceutical Sales representative for Eli Lilly & Co. in Cleveland, Ohio in 1955. He transferred to Los Angeles, CA. in 1971 where he remained until he retired in 1987. Ralph enjoyed a long and storied career with Lilly. In retirement, he became a registered Pharmacist in California and worked for both Lucky Pharmacy and Sav-On Pharmacy. Ralph was passionate about ballroom dancing from the time he was in the US Navy. Dancing allowed him to make many friends through the years. He participated successfully in competitions well into his senior years. He also loved bowling and was a physical fitness buff in general, always focused on healthy eating and exercise. Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian Jakwreth; and brother, Raymond Jakwerth. He is survived by his second wife, Florence Jakwerth; daughter Gayle Kenan (Jeff); step daughter Mary Schordock (Jim); and his brothers Thomas Jakwerth (Helen) and Donald Jakwerth (Mary); his sister Mary Jakwerth; grandson Jason Clark; step-grandchildren, Mark Schordock, Lisa Wersching, Lora Schordock, and Randy Kenan. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 6, 2020 at 12 Noon Memory Garden Memorial Park and Mortuary, 455 W. Central Ave. Brea, CA 92821. The family requests gifts in remembrance to go to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org. Click on Donate and Tribute Gift or ASPCA at www.aspca.org/ways-to-give. Click on Memorial and Honor Gifts.