Jeff Yonker – Osceola

Jeffrey Jerald Yonker, age 44, of rural Osceola, IA died Sunday, September 9, 2012 from injuries he sustained in an ATV accident. He was born the son of Jerald Monroe and Faye Elizabeth (Englehorn) Yonker on November 30, 1967 in Des Moines, IA. Jeff accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. He graduated from Waukee High School in 1986. As a young man, he began working at the family business, Grimes Asphalt and Paving Corporation.

On March 19, 1988, he married the love of his life, Michelle Diane Ballanger at First Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines, IA. To this union two children were born; Jerald Jeffrey, on November 22, 1989, and Megan Michelle, on November 9, 1991.

In April 2002, Jeff and Michelle moved their family from Des Moines to the place they made home near New Virginia, IA. Jeff adored Michelle and they worked hand-in-hand with everything they did. Along with the great love he had for his family, he established many strong friendships with neighbors, business associates, and numerous acquaintances near and far.

Jeff was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. He pushed them to success in education, sports and 4-H. He demonstrated to them the importance of values such as hard work, honesty, integrity, and most importantly, love. Jeff enjoyed working with his family and friends. He made time for his passions, golfing, grilling on the Big Green Egg, riding horses, working on his farm, and vacationing with Michelle. He was always tender with his animals -- cattle, horses, Joanna, and Lucy.

Preceding him in death were grandparents John Yonker, Paul Englehorn, Edith and Oliver Sandine; and brother-in-law Rusty Ballanger.

Those left to preserve his memory are his loving wife of 24 years, Michelle; children, Jerry and wife Anne, and Megan and special friend Daren Durell; parents, Jerry and Faye; brother, Mike and wife Tanya; grandmother, Lillian Yonker; parents-in-law Ralph and Linda Ballanger; sister-in-law, Denise and husband Rick Hook; nieces and nephews, Maria and husband Tim Lewis, Michael Yonker, Champ Long, Chanda Long, and Haley Ballanger; as well as a host of extended family and friends.