edward Nicholas Yunker Obit

EDWARD NICHOLAS YUNKER, 86, born on Feb.13, 1939, to Melvin and Ann in Crosby, passed away with his with wife Yvonne of 23 years by his side on Aug. 1, 2025, at their home in Baxter. He attended school in Crosby and graduated with the class of 1957. Immediately after graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a radio man. He married Gayle Anderson in June of 1962 and together they had three children: Brian, Amy, and Melissa. He was employed by Potlatch for many years and retired in 1998. Throughout the years he had many interests including attaining a brown belt in Karate, PTA, several sports activities, and acting and singing in many theatrical and vocal productions at different venues. Geritol Frolics was his last “baby.” He and Yvonne directed, produced, and performed for many years in this local show. He was proud to claim the name “Mr. Geritol Frolics,” but family was most important to him. He was the grandfather to 12 and great-grandfather to 18. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Patte and Ruth Ann; brother David; son Brian; and first wife Gayle. He is survived by his wife Yvonne; daughters Amy Carson and Melissa Yunker; Yvonne’s children Mark Hill, Margo (Reid) Johnson, and Marty (Stacy) Hill. Also survived by sisters Connie and Judy; brothers Ron and Dennis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment with Military Honors will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls on Monday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.