David M. Yerkes Sr. passed peacefully into heaven, surrounded by his loving family. Born the fifth of twelve children to John and Joanna Yerkes in Chicago’s Marquette Park neighborhood, David attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary grammar school and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1948.
After graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Korean War. Upon returning home, David joined Plumbers Union Local 130 and worked in the family business, John Yerkes & Sons Plumbing.
David shared a lifetime of love with his late wife of 59 years, Joan (nee Dombrowski) Yerkes, and together they raised seven children: David Jr. (Kathleen), Dr. Kenneth (Dr. Mary), Jean Lowery (Michael), Peggy Anderson (Wayne), Bernadette Pajak (Phillip), Peter (Marianne), and Christopher (Becky). He was a proud grandfather to 24 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
He was deeply involved in his faith as a member of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and Ambassador to the Traveling Madonna, and was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.
David is survived by his sister, Alicia Distel, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan and siblings Joanne Bauman, Marilyn, John Jr., Charles, Edward, Joseph, Frances, Benedict, Mary Lou Flowers, and Ana Sokolowski.
Visitation: Monday, February 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Funeral: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:45 AM until Prayers at 10:45 AM at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Hwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465
Mass: Our Lady of the Woods Church, 11:30 AM
Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Woods Church, Orland Park, IL, or the Sisters of St. Casimir Retirement Fund.
David’s legacy of faith, family, and service will be cherished by all who knew him.