John L Yoder

John L. Yoder, 93 of Arthur, IL went to be with Jesus at 5:45 PM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at the Arthur Home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 East Park St., Arthur, IL. Pastor Glen Rhodes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the church. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family.

John was born on October 15, 1931 in Douglas County, IL, a son of Lewis A. and Mary Ann (Yoder) Yoder. He married Alta Louise Lee on September 29, 1953 in rural Arthur, IL. They would have been happily married 72 years on September 29th.

He is survived by his wife, Alta Yoder of Arthur, IL, four children, Phyllis (Mike) Hafer of Arthur, IL, Patty (John) Kornacker of Roselle, IL, Jim (Carol) Yoder of Sarasota, FL, and Sharon (Dave) Binion of Arthur, IL, 11 grandchildren, Chris (Briana) Hafer of Arlington Heights, IL, Sara (Dan) Abercrombie of Bradenton, FL, Laura (Jason) Young of Burke, VA, Liz (Dan) Napper of West Chicago, IL, Christie (Mike) Wereski of Hawthorn Woods, IL, Jackie Kornacker of Nashville, TN, Justin L.(Blaire)Yoder of Chicago, IL, Jonathan L.(Brittany) Yoder of Arthur, IL, Jake L. Yoder of McCordsville, IN, Chase (Lindsay) Coleman of Monticello, IL and Nick(Tiffany) Coleman of Charleston, IL, five step grandchildren, Zach (Jaquie )Hopkins of Madison, AL, Adam (Stephanny) Hopkins of Prattville, AL, Audra Dietz of Virginia, Libby (Nick) Hostetler of Springfield, IL and Tyler (Christina) Binion of Diamond Springs, CA, 33 great grandchildren, four brothers, Joe (Jean)Yoder of Wagener, SC, Elva Yoder of Goshen, IN, Chrissie (Katie) Yoder of Arcola, IL and Noah (Verna) Yoder of Arthur, IL, one sister, Ella (Adlai) Miller of Arthur, IL and a sister-in-law, Erma Yoder of Indianapolis, IN and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Reuben Yoder, Floyd Yoder, Monroe Yoder and a sister, Lucy Troyer and 2 sisters-in-law Mary Yoder and Jane Yoder and a brother-in-law Henry Troyer.

John dedicated his life to the construction industry, having begun his career at an early age helping build the homeplace at age 10. He continued helping family and neighbors building cribs and barns. After getting married he worked for several Arthur area businesses. In 1961 he moved his family to northern Indiana and worked for Willie the builder. In 1967 he moved his family back to Arthur and started Modern Construction, which he operated for over 30 years. During this time, he built over 300 homes throughout the areas of Arthur, Arcola, Mt. Zion, Mattoon, Monticello, Champaign and Cerro Gordo, just to name a few. In 1990, John relocated to Indiana to continue building homes before moving back to Illinois in 1997 where he worked for Coach House Garages for over two decades before retiring at 85.

Outside of work, John had a passion for woodworking. He crafted various items like end tables, quilt racks, magazine racks and bread boxes, which he personally made as Christmas gift for each of his children. He enjoyed bowling and watching the Chicago White Sox. John also enjoyed traveling and collecting salt and pepper shakers along the way with his wife. John cherished spending time with his family, most importantly his children and grandchildren, and watching his grandchildren play sports.

John was also active in his community and faith. He was a member of the Arthur Mennonite Church, where he served as an elder. He was involved with the Arthur Lions Club, having served as President, and was a member of the Moose in Mattoon, IL as well as the National Home Builders Association.

Memorials can be made to Arthur Mennonite Church.