Joseph Brenton Yonk

Joseph Brenton Yonk, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and devoted servant to his community, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, on the sacred grounds of the Logan Utah Temple, where he had faithfully served as a temple worker.

Born in Norwalk, California, on February 28, 1954, Joe graduated from Excelsior High School—the same school where the iconic movie “Grease” was later filmed. True to his adventurous spirit, he rode his motorcycle to Cache Valley after graduation, beginning a lifelong love affair with Utah’s mountain valleys.

Joe served a faithful mission in Melbourne, Australia, where he developed his deep commitment to service that would define his entire life. He married Teresa Liechty in June 1975, and together they welcomed two children, Josh and Mandi. Following their divorce, Joe found love again with Kaylene Marshall, whom he married in April 1984. They welcomed two more children, Brent and Curt.

For three decades, Joe served Cache County with distinction as a deputy sheriff, earning respect as both a dedicated law enforcement officer and a volunteer search and rescue diver. His exceptional marksmanship skills made him a valued member of the county SWAT team, where he won numerous competitions.

Joe’s passion for the underwater world led him to become a PADI master instructor, sharing his love of diving with countless students. On land, he was equally adventurous, completing an impressive 14 LOTOJA races—the grueling 206-mile bicycle journey from Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His artistic eye captured the beauty of the world around him through photography, earning him recognition for his work.

Joe’s commitment to his faith was unwavering. He served faithfully in the bishopric of the Mendon 3rd Ward, as a high counselor, and as a temple worker at the Logan Utah Temple. His community service extended to the Mendon City Council, where he was instrumental in advocating for the new Mendon fire station—a cause close to his heart, as family members fondly remember him being the station’s “number one customer.”

Joe was also a devoted family man who cherished gathering his loved ones for legendary family barbecues. His ten grandchildren were the light of his life, and his home was always filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of his grilling.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his beloved wife Kaylene; his siblings Larry (Dana) Yonk of Petersboro, De’ann (Cliff) Knox of Nibley, and Joni (Nephi) DeBruin of Providence; his children Josh (Kellie) of Smithfield, Mandi (Jake) Tolman of Hyrum, Brent (Sarah) Yonk of Huntsville, AL, Curt Yonk; and ten grandchildren who will forever treasure their memories of Grandpa Joe.

Funeral services will be held at the Mendon Stake Center (460 5800 W, Mendon, UT 84325) on September 10, 2025 at 12 p.m. There will be a viewing on September 9th from 6 - 8 pm at White Pine Funeral Home (753 S 100 E Logan, UT 84321) and before the funeral from 9:30 - 11:30 am at the Mendon Stake Center.