Wendell Yonker

Wendell “Wendy” Earl Yonker, age 101, of Palos Heights, IL was welcomed into Heaven Wednesday, May 29, 2025. He was born January 15, 1924, in Chicago, IL. Son of the late Martin James and Catherine (Hoort) Yonker.

Wendell is preceded by his wife of 73 years Dorothy Persenaire Yonker, daughter Cathy Larsen, brothers Kenneth (Mary) Yonker, Norris (Peggy) Yonker, his sisters-in-law Betty (Con) Douma, Phyllis (John) Groot, Jean (John) Rossier, June (Earl) Wolff, brother-in-law Charles (Phyllis) Persenaire, and brother-in-law John Leo.

Wendell is survived his sister-in-law Donna Leo, his daughter Wendy Sue (Eric) Van Vugt, son Thomas (Judy) Yonker and son-in-law Dave (Sally) Larsen. His nine grandchildren Josh (Debbie) Larsen, Anne (Dave) Vander Weele, Jennifer (Chad) Harris, Erin (Craig) Haan, Cate (Joe) Huizenga, Heather (Austin) Ramirez, Kyle (Heather) Yonker, Tim Van Vugt, and Chad (Lorien) Yonker. His 23 great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.

Wendell served in the Navy during World War II. He was a radioman 3rd class on a merchant marine ship until his discharge in January of 1946. In March of 1946, Wendell married Dorothy Ann Persenaire.

The most important thing in Wendy’s life was his faith. He was very involved in his church. He regularly attended services. He served as an Elder and Deacon multiple times. He served on many boards of other Christian organizations including Southwest Christian Schools, Roseland Christian Schools. He generously gave of his time and resources to further God’s Kingdom.

A close second to his faith was his family. Wendell was a devoted and loving father. He spent a lot of time with his 3 children – attending their events, coaching their sports teams, and spending time with them at home and even working most of his career with his son Tom and grandchildren. Wendy and Dorothy were heavily involved and present in the lives of their grandkids as well. They always attended events and even did many individual travel excursions.

After the War, Wendy became a carpenter and started Lawndale Construction. In 1956, Wendell left construction to run a small garbage company called Homewood Scavenger. He is credited as being the founder of what is now Homewood Disposal. Through Wendy’s guidance, his commitment to community and relationships, Homewood Disposal prospered into the successful company it is today. In his professional life, as in his personal life, his faith led the way.

He was a patient listener, and an understanding and compassionate leader. He always treated others with respect. He led with honesty and integrity. He truly understood that the people and relationship matter. His values are the core values for Homewood Disposal to this day.

Wendy Yonker was very active. He was an avid fisherman and loved to fish with his kids, grand kids and great grandkids. He loved to golf and golfed into his early 90’s. He was still waterskiing into his early 80’s.

Wendy and Dorothy loved to travel and traveled all over the world. They would often travel either with family or to go visit family as their grandkids spread out all over the U.S. and the world.

Anyone who spent a little time with Wendy knew he loved people and loved learning about their lives. He was constantly encouraging everyone he met. He was interested in their life stories and was ready to listen and uplift them in any way he could. His kindness, generosity and faithfulness were a gift to us all. He will be missed, but we can take comfort in the knowledge that he is with his Father in heaven.

As a family we wanted to make a special word of thanks to all the caregivers. Over the last 8 years what you have done has been a blessing to him and us. Over that time you have become like family.

Wendell's visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 3-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. A Memorial Service to celebrate Wendell's life will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church, 7059 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, IL. Burial private at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery, Oak Lawn, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Southwest Chicago Christian School Foundation 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Click here for online donation and designate "Foundation-In Memory/Honor of a Loved One" or to the Yonker Family Foundation at Calvin College, 3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 are preferred.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW WENDELL'S PHOTO TRIBUTE

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400