Donald John Joachimstaler

Donald J. "Don" Joachimstaler , 70, of Cottonwood died Oct 30, 2010 in Cottonwood . Don was born Oct. 6, 1940 in St Louis, Missouri, the son of Leroy and Violia (DeHater) Joachimstaler. Don first visited Arizona in 1958 while stationed outside of Winslow, Arizona with the United States Air Force. There he met his wife of 49 year, Sharen (Parker) Joachimstaler and they were married in 1961. Don was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department in 1962. He completed 22 years of service retiring in 1984 as a Detective Sergeant assigned to the Narcotics Major Violator Section. Don and Sharen returned to Arizona in 1988 and settled in Cottonwood. Don worked for 10 years on the Verde Canyon Railroad as a guide and host. There he "unofficially" earned the title of, "Chief Eagle Spotter". Don is survived by his wife, Sharen Joachimstaler; two sons, Kurt and Brian Joachimstaler; two brothers, Kurt and Roy Joachimstaler; granddaughter, Meghan Joachimstaler and many beloved friends in the Cottonwood area. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Nov.8 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:30. Burial will follow in the All Soul's Cemetery. VFW Post 7400 will provide military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to the Cottonwood Police Department, donation fund. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com