Peter Alexander Yonkovit

Peter A. Yonkovit, age 75, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Peter’s life long unwavering faith was clear to all as he had entered God’s eternal light just 26 days after his beloved wife, Patti (who had preceded him in death on October 30). The two shared a lifelong love story of nearly 56 years together that began when they were only 13 years old, and they are now reunited forever in Heaven.

Peter was known for his heart of gold, his generous spirit, and his unending willingness to help anyone in need—especially those he loved most. He had a special gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and deeply connected to him. Above all, he was a devoted husband who cherished Patti, took pride in her accomplishments, and remained grateful for the extraordinary care she gave to their family and to him in his later years.

A natural conversationalist and lifelong traveling awning salesman, Peter could strike up a conversation with anyone. He embraced life’s simple joys—Michigan football, Lake Michigan, road trips, music, long walks searching for Petoskey stones, gardening, cardinals, time with family and friends, and volunteering at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. He truly enjoyed helping others. 

Family was at the center of everything for Peter and Patti. They were unwaveringly devoted to each other, to their three children—Heather, Peter, and Dria—and to their granddaughters, Taylin and Mackenzie. Peter adored being a father and a “Poppa.” He treasured every moment with his family some of his favorite moments were taking his kids to work, summers on Lake Michigan, homemade pancake breakfasts, building snow igloos, sledding, watching cowboy movies, going on school field trips, and cheering them on at every turn in their lives. His family was truly the delight of his life—“the apple of his eye,” and he loved them “a bushel and a peck.”

Peter is survived by his children: Heather (Yonkovit) Hardiman, Peter II (Maria) Yonkovit, and Alexandria (Kyle) McCarthy; his cherished granddaughters Taylin and Mackenzie Johnson; and step-grandchildren Adam and Arianna McCarthy.

He will be deeply missed by his family. Anne (Michael) Bonzyk and Mary (Tom) Yonkovit; as well as by his wife’s family—Joseph (Carol) Taber, James (Mary Jo) Taber, Michael (Lynn) Taber, Theresa (Taber) Frank, Richard (Maureen) Taber, Mark (Linda) Taber, and Mary (Taber) Borucki and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends, including Joe and Linda Smigiel and Georgie (Sam).

Peter was proceeded in death by his wife Patricia (Taber), his parents; Alexander E. Yonkovit, Jane A. Yonkovit (Love), and his siblings; Tom Yonkovit, Jannette Yonkovit, and Kathy Vanderweg, and sister-in-law, Maureen Taber. Along with other extended family members.

Pete’s faith was unwavering, and he looked forward with peace to meeting Jesus and being reunited with Patti. We have lost a man with a heart of gold, but he is now in heaven with the love of his life, finally free from pain.

A combined Memorial Funeral Mass for Peter and Patricia will be held at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.