John D. Yonkers

John D. Yonkers, 66, of Elkhart, passed on Monday, March 22, 2021 at home. He was born on January 3, 1955 in Elkhart, Indiana to Morel H. and Ethel P. (Watson) Yonkers.

On May 1, 1976, he married Robin R. Nolte in Elkhart, Indiana. She survives along with two daughters, Crystal S. (Oscar) Tapia of Plymouth and Jessica D. (Alan) Hauger of Elkhart; 9 grandchildren: Katelynn, Jaylund, Jasmin, Jordyn, Joseph, Ethan, Joslynn, Juliet and Jaxon. Additional survivors include one brother, Morel H. Yonkers, Jr. of Elkhart; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his man’s best friend, Luna. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Michael E. and Charles R. Yonkers.

John worked in his “tool crib” at Schult Homes in Middlebury for 20 years until his retirement in 2002.

He was a member of St. John’s the Evangelist Episcopal Church and an avid volunteer at the St. John’s food pantry. John loved attending the week-long church camp at Camp Mack for 16 years as a camp counselor. He loved his camp family dearly. Earlier in life, John was in Boy Scouts and involved with Lifeline.

John really enjoyed watching Concord sports and was a band “grandpa” for 4 years. He loved watching IU basketball, Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs baseball. One of his favorite activities was to attend and cheer on his grandchildren in their numerous events.

John was always helpful and had a jovial attitude that made everyone laugh. He had a way of touching everyone’s hearts and making friends with perfect strangers. He left a trail of himself in everyone’s soul as he navigated through life.

As he always said, “I never met a stranger, at least not one stranger than me.”

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be from 2:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in his name.

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