John Henry Yonker

John Yonker, age 92, of Delton, MI, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, a moment he anticipated with deep faith and confidence.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, on May 5, 1933, John was the youngest of five children to Peter and Hendrika (nee Waanders) Yonker. His family later moved to Grand Rapids, MI, where he spent his formative years. After high school, John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, with a tour of duty in Europe. He then embarked on a career as a bricklayer before joining Steelcase Corp, where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

Retirement brought John new passions. He was an avid car enthusiast who found great joy in searching for, detailing, and reselling rare vehicles. Among his favorite finds was an Excalibur, the classic car famously driven by Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians. He loved putting the top down and cruising it in local parades. John also taught himself to play the organ by ear, sharing his talent with local churches and Thornapple Manor. On sunny afternoons, he could often be found napping peacefully in his backyard on Gilkey Lake, soaking in the sun he loved.

Above all, John was a man of profound faith. His commitment to his beliefs was a cornerstone of his life. He cherished his daily devotions, which he would read and discuss with his family after every meal. His warm hospitality, shared alongside his beloved wife Gladys, touched many lives in their community. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores, as well as his mother Hendrika, father Peter, his brothers Carroll and Alan Yonker, his sister Jean (Jack) VanderHoek, Julene (Harold) Eiten.

His memory will be cherished by his wife Gladys; his sister-in-law Gerry Yonker; his three sons, Tim (Carolyn) Yonker, Todd (Daphne) Yonker, and Steve (Tracy) Yonker; and his daughter Sara Kukulis. He was also blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family takes comfort in the words of John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.'" While his physical life is over, the family rejoices that this is just the beginning of his eternal adventures, as he is reunited with his loved ones in Heaven.

The family will receive friends 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Gull Lake Bible Church, 1491 Midland Dr. Hickory Corners, MI 49060, where services to celebrate John's life will begin at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be held privately at the Rest Lawn Memorial Park, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers memorials directed to the Gull Lake Bible Church, 1491 Midland Dr, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, where John and Gladys were faithful members. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of John may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.