Ronald David Jostes

Jostes, Ronald David, age 86, of St. Louis Mo passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 4th, 2023, surrounded by his children.  Ron was born on June 17, 1937, in St. Louis Missouri to Clement and Lulu Belle (nee Williamson) Jostes and spent his formative years in South St. Louis.  Jostes was a proud graduate of Bayless High School class of 1955.  After graduating from Ranken Technical College, Jostes worked for Otis Elevator Company for over 40 years in Omaha Nebraska, St. Louis Missouri, and Shanghai China. In 1960, Ron met and married Anne Atkins, the love of his life after courting her by flying his Cessna to Colombia MO on weekends. Their love story spanned 61 years. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Gerald and Dale Jostes, and his son Aaron Vance Jostes. 

He is survived by, his 4 children, Bud Jostes, Randall Jostes, Hollylu Jostes Coon, Christopher Jostes. Ten grandchildren, Kyle Howard, Clayton Jostes, Audrey Kuczka, Grayson Jostes, Annalee Coon, August Jostes, Teddy Coon, Anika Jostes, Gabriel Jostes, and Grace Jostes. Six much loved children/grandchildren through marriage, Lee Ann Jostes, Michael Coon, Shelly Jostes, Michelle Howard, Sabrina Jostes, Joe Kuczka. Eight great grandchildren, Ryan Jostes, Marijetta Lisicin Jostes, Roman Jostes, Kade Howard, Levi Howard, Elyn Howard, Olivia Kuczka, Ellie Kuczka. 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  Until his last days, Ron was an indomitable force.  A gregarious and generous spirit, Jostes adventured all over the world including 4 years in Shanghai, China, earning him the moniker Smoking Dragon.  Jostes was a published author and quasi-inventor who regularly made magic from the mundane.  Witty and charming with just enough crassness to keep it interesting, Ron was the life of the party, a legendary storyteller, and the relentless positive voice in our ear.  As a devouted life-long follower of Jesus, to Ron family was everything.  To us, he was just about everything. Undoubtedly, we are a living legacy to the leader of our band.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials to Bibles for China. 

Services: Visitation Sunday November 12, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. funeral service at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel, 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. Graveside service Monday November 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Prairie Du Rocher, IL.

To View Livestream of Services, CLICK HERE.