Joseph E. Yonkers

YONKERS, Joseph "Joe" E.
Portage, Michigan Joe was born August 30, 1921, and went to be with his Lord and beloved wife Helen on August 30, 2008. He was the eldest son of Samuel and Dorice Yonkers. Joe was employed for many years as a Mill Electrician at Allied Paper Mill on Lake Street in Kalamazoo before working for Borrough's Mfg. and Inter-Kal after Allied's closing. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1940 and married Helen Roberts in 1943 after joining the Army Air Force. Joe was a member of America's "Greatest Generation," serving 50 missions over Europe as a belly gunner on a B-17 during WW II. He was a longtime member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Portage, serving on that Church's early Parish Council during the 1960's. Joe cherished the time he served and the friendships he made as a volunteer at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo after his wife's passing in 1994, until ill health in early 2008 prevented him from continuing to volunteer. He is survived by daughters, Lynda Fred Zerbel of Portage, Nancy Jones of Kalamazoo; one son, Kevin Judi Yonkers of Kalamazoo; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his eldest son, Larry Yonkers; his brother, Kenneth Yonkers, and by a grandson, Michael. Joe would want us to remember the kindness of his dear neighbors on Stanley Ave. in Portage. According to his wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM Friday, September 5 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church 9420 Portage Rd. with Pastor Joan Herbon officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorials in Joe's memory may be directed to Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. 343-1508 www.langelands.com