February 4, 2022
Remembering Richard Jolkovsky, MD
A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, February 6th.
The obituary below was written and shared by Richard’s loved ones.
On Wednesday, Feb, 2, 2022, the world lost an amazing human. Dr. Richard Jolkovsky, known as Rick or RJ to his friends, died from injuries sustained from a plane crash at the age of 61. Solace can be taken knowing he died doing something he truly loved.
There are many words to describe Rick; caring physician, pilot, dog lover, Philmont Trekker. He loved life and had a life well-lived. He is especially known for his love and caring for others. As a cardiologist, it wasn’t just his job to save the lives of others, it was his passion. He was a dear friend to many and could always be counted on for a good, albeit often corny, joke. But what mostly defined Rick was his devotion to and love for his family. He loved his wife and kids fiercely.
As a Cardiologist at Centracare Heart and Vascular Center at Saint Cloud Hospital, it was his job to save lives. He continues to do so even in death as an organ donor. To honor that part of him, it is requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
As an adventurer and nature lover, Rick loved hunting and fishing, especially with his beloved dogs. One of his favorite places to commune with nature is Philmont Scout Camp which he attended as a youth in 1974, returned to as a staff member and frequently visited later. A scholarship fund has been set up in his name to allow others to experience the joy and magic of this special place.
Rick served six years as a Major in the Airforce. He was an alumnus of Florida State University.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Merryn, and the children he cherished, Betsy, Emily and Ben, his brother and best friend Dave, his two sisters Rachel and Cheryl and his uncle Myron.
A memorial service will be held at St. Cloud Area Event Center in Waite Park, MN on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. The family will hold a visitation at 1 p.m. to receive friends prior to the service, which will begin at 2:00. A reception will follow to allow sharing of great stories about Rick.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests Rick be honored through donations to one of the causes that are dear to his heart:
American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNQCSERKQD&s_src=20U2W1EEMT&s_subsrc=main_nav_memorial_link
Philmont Scout Camp
https://www.philstaff.org/product-category/donations/scholarship/