Jon Peter Sjolander

Jon Peter Sjolander February 2, 1944 - December 9, 2016 East Wenatchee, WA Jon P. Sjolander passed away Friday, December 9, 2016, peacefully at his home with his family after having battled cancer for two and a half years. Jon was born February 2, 1944, to Lynwood and Linnea Sjolander. Jon grew up in Redmond, WA, on the shores of Lake Sammamish. He graduated from Mt. Si High School 1962 and from Washington State University in 1966 with a BA in Hotel/Restaurant Administration. In 1967, he opened Lil' Jon's Restaurant in Issaquah, WA. Jon's brother, Alan Sjolander and family, currently operate Lil' Jon's today. He opened The Water Hole in Issaquah in 1970. In 1973, Jon opened and managed The Principal Restaurant on the pier in Seattle, WA. In 1974, Jon opened another restaurant called the Price is Right on Marion St. in Seattle. In 1978, he came to Wenatchee to work for his cousins, Bruce and Bob Kuske at the Little Viking in East Wenatchee, WA, where he met his future wife of 35 years, Diane (Carter) Sjolander. In 1982, Jon and Diane opened The Cashmere Café in Cashmere, WA. Later, Jon and his friend, George Dosser, opened Long Jon's Laundromat in 1997-2007 in East Wenatchee, WA. Jon then opened and operated Beer One with his family in Wenatchee. Retiring in 2012, he worked part time, 2014-2016, for P.T.I transporting railroad crews. Throughout all his years, cars were his passion; he rebuilt old classic cars, some but not all, including a 1949 Chevy pickup, and a 1969 Plymouth GTX. While working on his cars in his shop, it became the place where family and friends stopped by to help or enjoy each other's company on a regular basis. Bonds were built and made unbreakable. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren a thing or two about fine automotive craftsmanship. Jon Sjolander was a compassionate, intelligent, funny and a kind man. All those who came to know him loved him. He is survived by his wife, Diane Sjolander; his three children: Ky Sjolander and Rachel Sjolander (daughter-in-law), Heidi Sjolander and Ryan Bush (son-in-law), and Walker Sjolander; his brother, Alan Sjolander and family. Jon also left behind two granddaughters: Molly Sjolander and Brynn Sjolander, husband, Mike Stokes. Jon was a lucky man. He was able to say he was also a great-grandfather to two beautiful little souls: Braley Rose and Sloan Marie Stokes. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jon's presence made things happier and merrier. He touched countless lives and will continue to be loved and cherished. Jon Peter Sjolander's memory will continue to live on through his family and his lifetime friends. There will be a Memorial at a later date. Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA, is helping with arrangements.