Garrett W. Yonker, Jr.
July 22, 1938 – July 12, 2019

Garrett William Yonker, Jr., 80, of Stanley went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 12 at Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley.

Garry was born on July 22, 1938, in Chicago, IL. to Garrett W. and Mary (Reed) Yonker Sr. He was raised in Chicago, graduating from CVS High School. He attended University of Illinois Navy Pier and then Moody Bible Institute. He also attended Judson College as he continued his ministerial education. Later in life he earned his Masters Degree in Theology from Northwest Nazarene College in Boise, ID, while he was pastoring in Weiser, ID.

He met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Spencer, while attending Moody Bible College. They were married on July 2, 1960, in Columbus, OH. Their daughter, Mary, was born on September 29, 1964 in Chicago, IL.

Over the course of his career he was a pastor in Chicago, IL: Rapid City, SD; Stanley, ND; Kenmare, ND; Weiser, ID; the parish of Lisbon, Rutland and Forman, ND before retiring. After retiring they moved back to Stanley to be with their family. He continued to serve as an interim when needed at First Baptist Church in Stanley.

He was also a machinist by trade and had worked in several places including Tioga Machine Shop during their first pastorage in Stanley.

Garry was a gifted musician and enjoyed playing the piano, organ and accordion. He enjoyed a rousing game of pinochle with family. He had an infectious sense of humor, even if you didn’t always get the joke. Growing up in Chicago, he was an avid Bears and Cubs fan. He waited his whole life for the Cubs to finally win the World Series and could be seen proudly sporting their colors.

He and his wife Mary, were proud Blue Jay fans and until the past few years, could be found at nearly every home sporting event.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Stanley and a past member of Stanley Lions Club. He was also a past volunteer for the Stanley Volunteer Ambulance Service.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary of Stanley; daughter Mary (Dale) Kilen of Stanley; granddaughter, Amanda (Zach) Peterson of Bismarck; great-grandchildren, Carter, Jozelyn and Abel Peterson; brother-in-law, Bill (Linda) Miller of Columbus, OH; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law Mary and Clayton Miller, brother-in-law Harold Miller, and brother, Art Yonker.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. God bless his memory.

Memorial Contribution