Martin Yunker Jr.

Martin (Marty/Mark) Yunker Jr., 71, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022. Marty was born in Salina, Kansas, on September 20,1950 to Lydia (Staab) and Martin Yunker, Sr. Marty is best remembered for his kind and generous heart, his ingenuity, and his love of history. He was a loyal friend and shared his love of life, humor, and hospitality with all who knew him.

After graduating from Hays High School, Marty enlisted in the National Guard, serving in the Russell Maintenance Company until his honorable discharge in1976. Marty was a machinist by trade, skilled in fabrication. He worked for Texas Instruments and several local machine shops before joining Colorado Springs Utilities. After thirty years, he retired from the Colorado Springs Utilities Weld/Machine shop in 2017. He is remembered by his friends and coworkers for his problem solving and innovation.

Marty had a love of the outdoors, hunting, and firearms. Marty could be found roving the local gun shows visiting with the exhibitors and was a walking encyclopedia on the history and value of firearms. He was active in the Colorado Wildlife Hunter's Education program instructing over 15,000 students. Students loved his stories. He was recognized in 1998, 2001, 2003, and 2005 as Colorado Instructor of the year. And in 2013, he was recognized as Mentor for Hunter Education Instructors. He was a certified Range Safety Officer. Marty especially enjoyed working with kids/young adults. He volunteered teaching outdoor skills to Young Marines, Boy Scouts, and 4-H students. Survival and safety were two skills he always emphasized. He was recognized in 2008 with the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Marty was an adventurer and enjoyed traveling. He enjoyed Canyonlands in Utah and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. After retirement, he made two trips to visit friends in Brazil. He often supported charities and was an active supporter of less fortunate families in Brazil.

Marty married Karen (Weis) Yunker on May 27, 1972. They were celebrating 50 years of marriage in May. In 1977, they followed their dream to live in Colorado. Weekends were spent exploring Colorado and summer vacations were spent camping. His two children and grandchildren were the center of his life. He loved sharing in their lives. He enjoyed having nephews visit for summer barbecues and holiday meals.

Marty is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Amy Roberts (John), and Son, Shaun Yunker (Jaime) of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Matthew and Amanda Roberts; brothers Robert Yunker (Salina, Kansas), Chuck Yunker (Tecumseh, Kansas), James and Shirley Yunker (Hays, Kansas), Daniel and Joan Yunker (Andover, Kansas); sisters Mary Alice Weed (Salina, Kansas) and Janice Koshiol (Hays, Kansas); and sister-in-law Lois Yunker (Munjor, Kansas).

Left also to cherish his memory are brothers and sisters-in-laws John and Carol Weis (Schoenchen, Kansas) and Cindy Weis and Jon (Durham, North Carolina) Mark and Carol Richmeier (Norton, Kansas), Michael and Emma Weis (Akron, Colorado), Linda Pope (Hoxie, Kansas), Leon Weis (Hoxie, Kansas), and Brian and Josie Weis (Colby, Kansas).

Marty is preceded in death by his father and mother, Martin Sr. and Lydia; in laws, Hermine and Leo Weis; Brothers Thomas and David Yunker; Brothers-in-law, Russ Pope, David Weed, and Patrick Koshiol; Sisters-in-law, Charlene Vinquist, Mary Weis, and Kathy Yunker; nephew, Matthew Yunker; and friend and mentor, Harlan Day.

Visitation and rosary will be held 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, May 30, at Dove-Witt funeral home in Fountain, Colorado.

Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 am, Tuesday, May 31, at St. Dominic Church, Security, Colorado.

Burial to follow with Military Rights at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Donations may be made to the Martin Yunker Memorial, which will be distributed to families in need in Brazil.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Dove-Witt.com for the Yunker family.