Donald Paul Yurik

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Donald Paul Yurik who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Don was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Don knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Don was born on March 5, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Paul and Betty Yurik. Even as a youngster, Don learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Don was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Don was raised with one sibling. He had one older sister, Betty Ann. Don had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Don, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Don's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Don enjoyed being part of teams,organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Don took part on the baseball team at Harrison High School where he was a student. In his spare time he liked painting toy soldiers.

In school, Don was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Don was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Don’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was physical education.

Don was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Don was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends, and when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Don came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Billy and Ed. Later in life, he became friends with Bill & JoAnne Schaper, Frank & Linda Olson, Don & Judy Sopoci, Joe & Lori Manna, Don and Linda Ludy, Vic and Marge Siedleski, Barb Anderson, Werner and Angie Tyczka, and Bill & Dorie Diesing.

An objective and conscientious individual, Don reveled in the security of his family. In 1967 Don exchanged wedding vows with Ann Corbitt at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church of Evansville, Indiana.

Don was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Don would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Don was blessed with three children, David (his wife, Rose), Debbie, and Paul . They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Anthony, Bryan, Zachary and Mia.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Don was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Don upheld his standards. His primary occupation was an agent with the Humbert Insurance Agency for 18 years, and in the Insurance Business for 36 years. Don was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Don was in the United States Army. His sense of duty helped him in the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He served in Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal.

Don approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching anything that had a ball or puck in it, camping, painting military models, puzzles, and playing board games with his family. Don was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Don to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included coaching little league. Later, he especially enjoyed watching his children and grand children participate in their multitude of events especially his daughter's college softball games and his grandson's football games. Not a great surprise, he was a huge sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity especially the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Don used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Don had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Aruba.

Don was a lover of dogs and cherished his pets. One of Don’s favorites was Shadow. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his Daisy, for 16 years.

Don passed away on October 13, 2012 at home. Visitation Tueday, October 16, 2012 from 3-9 p.m., at Cypress Funeral Home,1698 N. Bloomingdale Rd., Glendale Heights, Illinois, where a Funeral Service is to be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Private. All who knew him would agree that Don was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Donald Paul Yurik did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Donald Paul Yurik, age 68, of Glendale Heights, IL for 43 years; US Army Vietnam Vet, beloved husband of Ann (nee Corbitt) for 45 years; loving father of David (Rose), Debbie and Paul; cherished grandpa of Anthony, Bryan, Zachary and Mia; dear brother of Betty Ann (Ben) Perek; loving uncle of Lisa (Keith) Shelly, Laura (Jon) Gertsmeier and Leslee (Steve) Mezan; preceded in death by his parents Paul and Betty Yurik. Don was a die-hard Cubs Fan. He will be watching the Cubs with Mom in heaven. Visitation Tuesday October 16, 3-9 pm and chapel service Wednesday 11 am at Cypress Funeral Home, 1698 N. Bloomingdale Rd. (between Army Trail Rd. and North Ave.) Glendale Heights. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul would be appreciated. Please call 630-653-7666 or visit www.cypressfuneralhome.com for more information.