Dr. Nick Robert "Papa Nick" Yenko

Dr. Nick Yenko passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, in Longmont, Colorado, at the age of 94. He was born on December 8, 1930, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Nicholas and Mary (Tominc) Yenko.
Nick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Emma Lou (Reed) Yenko, who passed away just 37 days earlier. He was also preceded in death by his brother David Yenko and sister & brother-in-law Jean & Keith Nauman.
He is survived by his brother Jerry (Kirk) Yenko and sister-in-law Shirley; his children Ronald (Pam) Yenko, Katrina (Rick) Watts, and Charles Yenko; his grandchildren Alisha (Red) Wolfe, Kaitlyn (Rance) Corley, Alexander Watts, Jacob (Annie) Yenko, Jonathan Watts, Noah Watts, and Jackson Watts; and his great-grandchildren Lucy Yenko, Oliver Corley, Tiegan Corley, and another great-grandson expected in July.
Nick was raised in Rock Springs, the son of a coal miner. He earned scholarships to both the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Denver, ultimately choosing to pursue pre-med at DU. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. He then served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force, stationed in Fukuoka, Japan, where he met Emma Lou.
They were married on November 27, 1963, in Roswell, New Mexico. After a brief residency in Seattle, they settled in Billings, Montana, where Nick became a partner at The Children's Clinic. Billings remained their home for many decades and was where they raised their family.
In retirement, Nick gave generously of his time, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and assisting with set construction at the Billings Studio Theatre. A man of science and insatiable curiosity, he was also known for his daily crossword puzzles, love of newspapers, and a sharp wit that supplied a well-timed joke for nearly any occasion.
Nick found great joy in traveling to National Parks, especially Yellowstone, a place of peace and connection he returned to often. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be laid to rest there.
Among his proudest moments in recent years was the opportunity to meet and spend time with his great-grandchildren, who affectionately nicknamed him "Papa Nick." These special visits brought him deep happiness and pride.