An unofficial Obituary:

Lo, Jeffrey Gerard Yockey “Gupke” of Tucson AZ, died serenely, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 21, 2021. He had 56 trips around the sun.

Jeff was born on August 6, 1965, in Flagstaff AZ to Jack and Sharon Yockey the sixth of seven children. His early achievements included slapstick comedy routines keeping the family entertained and leaving large dents in the walls from bopping with his siblings. A notable achievement occurred in kindergarten where he received “The Best Rester Award” for his enthusiastic naps.

The family spent a significant time traveling and camping throughout the US and Mexico. The close proximity in age between Jeff and his brothers and sisters created a tribal love and loyalty. This love was intensified by long trips in Dad’s small Cessna Plane and the International Harvester Travel All where seven kids learned to tolerate tight quarters, car and plane sickness, and all sorts of other iniquities. These experiences forged a tight family bond that has persisted into adulthood and helped us all through the challenge of Jeff’s year-long battle with brain cancer.

The family moved to Fond du Lac, WI in 1971. There, Jeff endeared himself to friends and classmates with a quick wit and generous if mischievous spirit. He graduated high school from Saint Mary’s Springs Academy in 1984 and was a champion wrestler and tough defensive back for the State Champion Football team. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After college, he moved back to his native Arizona to re-acquaint himself with its diverse and spectacular beauty.

Jeff spent his professional life applying his high aptitudes in the field of energy and environmental engineering eventually taking a position at Tucson Electric Power (TEP) where he worked for 20 years, becoming a firm Director. Jeff loved his job and the culture at TEP. He worked in both Corporate Environmental Services and Resource Planning. Remarkably, his most recent achievement was creating a consensus among utility executives, environmental activists, community stakeholders and Native Americans; crafting a long-term Integrated Resource Plan that put TEP at the forefront of progressive but cost effective de-carbonization efforts. He enjoyed the challenges and worked with some incredibly smart, fun and kind people.

Jeff is survived by his daughter and son, Eve and Cy; his parents Jack and Sharon; siblings Joe, Mary, Jim, Ann and Kate; his ex-wife, Laura, mother of Eve and Cy, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jeff is preceded in death by his brother John and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

The center of Jeff’s life were his children, Eve and Cy. He was a patient and dedicated father that loved spending all his free time with them; attending their sporting events, family trips to the National Parks, and barbequing on Sundays. Jeff became an aficionado of well-crafted margaritas and well-brewed espresso. He cracked the code to easily peeled hard-boiled eggs. He loved all kinds of music particularly blue grass and Americana. He was an avid and disciplined swimmer. He loved camping, being with family and friends, trips to Rocky Point and back to the Midwest, accomplishing projects around the house, the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Jeff’s character was infused with generosity and integrity and he touched many lives with his thoughtful, warm spirit. He always went out of his way for others before himself. He volunteered many hours for the Tucson Waldorf School, where his children attended preschool through eighth grade, as Board President, Treasurer, and at multiple special events. Jeff also had an impeccable sense of humor and wit, in which his many friends and family imbibed. He was an authentic and beautiful being and this world is richer because of him and poorer without him.

Jeff’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for 3:00 on November 13th at  the Tucson Waldorf School, 3605 E. River Road, Tucson AZ 85718.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Soulistic Non-Profit Hospice or the Tucson Waldorf School.