David M. Yerkes

David M. Yerkes Sr., passed into heaven peacefully surrounded by family.

Born the fifth of 12 children to John and Joanna Yerkes of the Marquette Park neighborhood. He attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary grammar school andgraduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1948.

Joined the United States Army after graduation and served in Korea as a combat engineer.

Returned home and joined the Plumbers Union Local 130 and went to work for the family business, John Yerkes and Sons Plumbing.

Survived by his sister, Alicia Distel.

Preceded in death by his cherished wife of 59 years, Joan (nee Dombrowski) and his siblings, Joanne Bauman, Marilyn, John Jr., Charles, Edward, Joseph, Frances, Benedict, Mary Lou Flowers, and Ana Sokolowski.

Married Joan Dombrowski in 1954 and they had 7 children, David Jr. (Kathleen), Dr Kenneth (Dr. Mary), Jean Lowery (Michael), Peggy Anderson (Wayne), Bernadette Pajak (Phillip), Peter (Marianne), and Christopher (Becky)

24 Grandchildren - Nicholas (Colleen), Anthony (Jessica), Katherine Robinson (Jeffrey), Matthew (Kelly), Edward (Bridget), David III, John (Megan), Carolyn, Daniel, Jacqueline Larson (Gregory), Jessica Lowery(Gregory Chap), Jennifer, Michael (Jami), Margaret Kuzlik (Patrick), Jon (Anastasia), Anita Shine (Joseph), William, Joseph (Carla), Megan, Bethany, Emily, Michael, Evan and Kylie.

34 Great Grandchildren - Anne, Catherine, George, John David, Emma, Evelyn, Tony Jr, Alicia, Gavin, Owen, Sophia, Penelope, Dylan, Ava, Lucas, Cameron, Emelia, Nora, Jack, Eve, Eddie, Samantha, Millie, Klaus, Matilda, Joan, Brigid, Mairead, Cillian, Aria, Abigail, Elizabeth, Theodore, and the late Christopher.

Member of Plumbers Union Local 130, Our Lady of the Woods parish and Knights of Columbus.

Eucharistic Minister, Usher, Ambassador to the Traveling Madonna.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. February 23, 2026 Funeral Tuesday, February 24, 2026 9:45 a.m. until time of Prayers 10:45 a.m. .at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home 11028 Southwest Hwy. Palos Hills, IL 60465 to Our Lady of Woods Church, mass 11:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers contributions to Our Lady of the Woods Church, Orland Park, IL  and Sisters of St. Casimir Retirement Fund would be appreciated.