Charles Yonker's Obituary
Charles (Chuck) Yonker was born on July 20, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ken and Mary Yonker. When he was a child, the family moved to North Muskegon where he attended primary school as well as high school. He later enrolled at Purdue University and eventually graduated with a Masters Degree from Wayne State University. After school, he worked in marketing and later started his own consulting and branding business. Chuck married the love of his life, Barbara (Bartholomew), his partner for well over 50 years. Together, they had one son, Christopher, who Chuck was always so very proud of. The family loved to travel and visited places like Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Mexico, as well as owned a chalet in Onekama, Michigan, where they spent many summers together with Chris. Onekama and the surrounding communities often provided the backdrop for the passion that Chuck had for fishing. Whether it was in streams deep in the woods of Michigan or in a boat out on Lake Michigan, Chuck always enjoyed feeling one with nature. Friends and colleagues will remember his quick wit, dry humor and masterful sarcasm. Chuck had a knack for turning everyday conversations into memorable experiences for the people he met. A trait he inherited from his father, no doubt. In the final years of his life, Chuck's greatest joy was his granddaughter, Grayson. They shared many laughs, both in person and via Facetime; a technology he quickly embraced after her arrival. (Though, at nearly 6, Grayson often served as tech support.) Chuck is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Chris, daughter-in-law, Jolie, and granddaughter, Grayson, who live in New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his parents, Ken and Mary. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 1 at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling Street, Montague, MI. Visitation will take place from 10-11am with Communion and a graveside service to follow.
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