Robert Joseph "Joe" Yonaka, 80, of Parkersburg, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019 at his residence. Joe was born on August 9, 1938 in Berryville, IL, the son of Howard Henry and Geneva (Weagel) Yonaka. He married Ruth (Walker) on May 27, 1961 at the West Salem Moravian Church and she survives.
Joe was a railroad agent with Norfolk Southern Railway and retired in 1999 after nearly 39 years. He was also a lifelong grain farmer. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, with his dog by his side. He enjoyed traveling to Branson, MO, trips out West on the Amtrak train, and spending winters in Mission, TX. He took pleasure in playing cards, shooting pool, and visiting with friends over coffee at McDonald's. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting activities as well as being a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Joe will be missed by all those that knew him.
Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Yonaka of Parkersburg; daughter, Susan Stoltz and husband David of Mt. Carmel, IL; daughter, Beth Etzkorn and husband D-Ray of Allendale, IL; daughter, Cindy Bailey and husband Ron of Olney; son, Chris Yonaka of New Baden, IL; grandchildren, Kristen (Dennis) Pasche, Adam Stoltz, Eric (Tori) Stoltz, Sara (Eric) Scherer, Troy Stoltz, Karissa (Justin) Bobbitt, Megan Etzkorn, Colton Etzkorn, Brandon (Kate) Bailey, Ryan Bailey, Justin Bailey, Christina Bailey, Holden Yonaka, and Karsen Yonaka; great grandchildren, Scarlett Scherer, Camden Scherer, Casen Bobbitt, and two more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Yonaka.
Memorials can be made to the West Salem Moravian Church or St. Louis Hope Lodge.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, June 7, 2019 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the West Salem Moravian Church with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Moravian Cemetery.
