It all began when Lawrence “Lokey” Jokerst had a vision. Lokey, or Loke, as he was widely known and referred to, grew up on the family farm in the Zell area of Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri. (Loki is a nickname that is defined as the “Norse god of mischief” in mythology. It was fitting for those who knew him.)

Loke labored on the family farm as a child and went to work full time on the farm after completing the 8th grade. He was the oldest of what would be 13 children.

He married Juliann Schilly in 1963 and continued to do farm work on the family farm and for Mississippi Lime Company Farms. In 1964, he was hired as a laborer for Metro Paving Company in Bridgeton, St. Louis County, Missouri. The first two years at Metro Paving he commuted driving a 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 north on Highway 61 to his job. After these first two years, with a 2-year-old daughter, Kim, and a newborn, Lynn, Loke and Julie moved to North St. Louis County. They lived there for six years and a third daughter, Laurie, was born during this time. Two brothers were also working for Metro Paving and lived with the young family.

After eight years in 1972, Loke was visiting his parents back in Zell when he announced to his mother that he was going to start his own asphalt and paving business.

One of the brothers working and staying with Loke and Julie overheard the announcement and immediately blurted out, “if you are going, I am coming with you.” He did, along with the third brother. Over the years, three additional younger brothers would be added to the crew of Jokerst Brothers in the paving business. Over the years, the brothers would go in different directions.

In 2000, Lokie was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Surgeries were performed, but the progression had been too fast. He passed away in September of that year, a day after his 62nd birthday.

In the face of financial setbacks, challenges, and the dealing with the tragic illness, family members continued to persevere and to carry on the founder’s mission.

Today, two daughters Kim and Lynn, and three grandchildren are involved in the daily operations of the business. Because of commitment and resilience, over into three generations, Jokerst Inc. is still a recognized and trusted construction business providing excavation, paving, crack filling and sealing, site utilities, and hauling for various projects.