John Yochem, 94, of Pensacola Florida passed away on June 14, 2021. John was born in Galion, Ohio to Leo Daniel Yochem and Nora Sullivan Yochem. John and Dorothy were married in 1949, their marriage continued for 67 years.
During World War II John delivered telegraphs for Western Union and worked as a Telegraph Operator for the Rail Road and was adept at Morse code. He was a Draftsman for Peabody Galion Truck Equipment Company. Moved his family to Atlanta Georgia in 1967 when he was transferred with his company and became Sales Manager for the southeast. He also worked for Heil Corporation before moving to Pensacola, Florida to work for Truck Equipment Sales.
John and Dorothy bought the Gulf Breeze Service Station in 1983 where John retired from full time work. John also worked for Oak Lawn Funeral Home as a Handyman well into his 80's.
John was a member and usher at The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, Florida. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, level Fourth Degree.
John was a self-taught artist and illustrator working primarily with pen and ink. He was the illustrator for his High School year book and developed their mascot, Little Ish.
John began sailing in Ohio (competed in regattas with 3 man crew on a Lightning 19 ft boat). In Georgia he owned a Morgan 28 and later a Choy Lee 32 Ketch. He transported the Choy Lee to Gulf Breeze and John and Dorothy lived on the sail boat for four years.
John enjoyed corresponding with his "pen pals" using Morse code, and was a Ham Radio Operator communicating via Morse code as well.
John volunteered at the Train Depot Museum in Milton, Florida where he has personal telegraph equipment on display.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Nora Yochem, his wife Dorothy Yochem, and two brothers Don Yochem and Bobby Yochem.
John is survived by his sons, Jack (Carol) Yochem and Tom Yochem: Daughters Vicki and Jan: six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to The Knights of Columbus.
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