Jerry Lee Yonker

Jerry Lee Yonker, 81, passed away on August 15, 2025, at his home at Laurel Parc at Bethany, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on March 25, 1944, in Holland, MI. He was the second of three children born to Bernard and Juliet (Nyhuis) Yonker. Jerry was raised in Bentheim, MI and graduated from Hamilton High School with the class of 1962.

After high school, he attended Grand Valley State where he earned his bachelor's degree.

In 1962, Jerry met his future wife, Bonnie Boersma, through a blind date set up by their mutual friends. They were united in marriage in 1964 and made their first home together in Grand Rapids, MI. Together they had five daughters: Tammy, Jodi, Kim, Amy and Mindy.

Jerry and Bonnie moved the family to Portland in 1976 for his work with Michelin Tire Corporation. He worked in sales for several companies until his retirement from Castrol Oil.

Jerry enjoyed golfing any chance he got, especially when he could play at Black Butte Ranch. After coaching his daughters' little league teams, Jerry continued to be an avid spectator at all his daughter's sports. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading, looking at atlases and maps, and checking his sports app for updates on the Mariners score. He was a faithful churchgoer, attending Oak Hills Church for almost 50 years. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, whether watching their sports and activities, or taking them to coffee, he was their biggest fan.

Jerry is preceded by his parents Bernard and Juliet, daughter Kim Veenhuis, brother Calvin, and brother-in-law Sherwin Boersen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bonnie, daughters; Tammy Yonker of Portland, Jodi and David DeMots of Portland, Amy and Marc Morris of Keizer, Mindy and Bret Feinauer of Hillsboro, son-in-law Todd Veenhuis of Sisters, sister; Norma Boersen of Holland and sister- in-law Eunice Yonker of Zeeland, ten grandchildren; Anna and (Kyle) Ritt, Tayler and (Joel) Long, Megan DeMots and (Peter Walden), Jared Carpenter, Emily DeMots, Jordyn and (Brandon) Rose, Amanda Carpenter, Sydney Morris, Brookelynn Feinauer, Hailey Morris, four great grandchildren; Allie and Wyatt Long, Carson and Beau Ritt, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Kim's Hope. (click here)

A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Oak Hills Church at 1:00 pm.