William S. Yunek

William Stewart Yunek

Of Boise, Idaho

Born October 1, 1935, in Rockford, Illinois, he was the son of Harold Joseph and Dorothy Grace (Harrower) Yunek, and the 3rd of 5 children. He married Benita Irene Banks on January 20, 1956, in Cherry Valley, Illinois.

William (Bill) joined the United States Air Force in November, 1953, serving nearly three years in Darmstadt, Germany as a Radio Operator intercepting Russian communications deep in the Black Forest. He was there the last year of the U.S. occupation of West Germany following World War II. Upon discharge, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal. He flew home to be married in January of 1956. His bride joined him soon after to begin their life together. Their time in Germany was fondly spoken of for the rest of their lives.

Following their return to Rockford, Illinois in 1957, he trained and earned his certification as an X-ray Technician at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He and Benita had their first child, Bradley Stewart, in 1958 and set off a year later for a fresh start in California. Bill and Benita expanded their family with the arrival of Brenda Sue in 1961 and Brent William in 1964 in Anaheim. Bill’s professional opportunity in an orthopedic medical practice brought them to Huntington Beach in 1965. He spent the majority of his career at the offices of Drs. Mulvania, Peterson and Reynolds, serving as both X-ray Technician and Office Administrator. He also co-founded T&W Systems, a computer software solutions company. In all, he enjoyed 34 years living, working and exploring the beauty of California.

Bill and Benita retired in Idaho in 1993, spending many enjoyable years in Sandpoint, Post Falls, and Coeur d’Alene, allowing them to live close to Brad and his family. They hosted many friends and family over the years, sharing with them the beauty of north Idaho. In 2017 Bill and Benita relocated to Meridian (next to Boise) enjoying the proximity to Brenda and family, as well as Bill’s youngest sister, Carolyn.

Bill began his spiritual journey as a young boy in Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church in Cherry Valley, Illinois. He grew in his understanding of God’s Word and what it truly means to be a Christ-follower at every church fellowship throughout his life. As an adult he learned about his sin and need for a Savior. He placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and was baptized in Huntington Beach. He was active in teaching Sunday School most of his adult life, as well as serving as church Trustee and prayer warrior in support of pastoral ministry. Both he and Benita served in many supportive roles within each church they belonged to, including support of missions efforts; it was his joy to serve alongside his son-in-law, Dr. Perry Jansen, on a medical missions trip to Malawi.

After being inspired by an art teacher in his senior year at Sycamore High School, Bill was then an active artist his entire adult life, his favorite medium being oils. His love for family, history and patriotism enriched his life, inspiring many projects and journeys. His coffee chats and lunches or dinners with friends were so enjoyable to him. It was his quiet time with the Lord each day, growing to many hours spent in Bible reading and prayer, that motivated him most. As he neared his last moments on earth, he exclaimed, “It’s all about Jesus!”

Bill is survived by:

His daughter-in-love Susan Yunek, granddaughter Heather Yunek, grandson Joshua Yunek; and,

His daughter Brenda Jansen (husband Perry), grandson Nathan Jansen (wife Madison), great-grandsons Elias Jansen and Riley Jansen, granddaughter Erin Jansen (fiancée Levi Kuskie), granddaughter Olivia (Jansen) Howie (husband Simeon); and,

His son Brent Yunek (wife Suzette), grandson Carlton Yunek, and granddaughter Lucy Yunek; and,

His two sisters Marilyn Summers (Ojai, CA) and Carolyn Overseth (Star, ID), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by:

His wife Benita (November 2017, after 61 years of marriage),

His son Bradley (November 2024),

His granddaughter Mallory Jansen (October 1996),

His parents Harold and Dorothy, and two brothers (Robert and Kenneth)

Honor the Legacy of William Yunek:

Support SAFE Surgeries at Partners in Hope, Malawi

https://africanmissionhealthcare.org/donation/william/

Tree City Church of the Nazarene in memory of William Yunek

https://treecitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memory

Celebration of Life, with pie reception immediately following

Friday, March 14th, 2:00pm

Tree City Church

3852 N Eagle Rd

Boise, ID 83713