George W. Yoder, “Porgie,” age 60, passed away peacefully in his home on the stormy evening of Monday, August 27, 2018 surrounded by loved ones; he loved storms. The oldest of 12 children, he was born on May 28, 1958 in Louisiana, MO to William and Suzanne Yoder who proceeded him in death along with his sister, Anna. He is survived by siblings: Ben, Moses, Elizabeth, Willie, Emma, Urias, Noah, Amos, Harvey and Danny.
He started a life in Altus, OK working for the city. A jack of many trades, George worked as a mechanic and a carpenter. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with family, Monday Night Wrestling and telling a joke or two. As fate would have it, his life wouldn’t truly begin until August 18, 1995 when he would meet the love of his life. Little did he know, a chance encounter would change so many lives. It started with love at first sight and within six short months he and his two children had moved to Wisconsin, he married the woman of his dreams, who was the mother of nine kids, and completed their family; the rest is history.
George is survived by his wife of 22 years, Rena C. Yoder, their 11 children: Kathryn (Brythe), April (Scott), Jennifer, Samantha (Jake), Ryan, Christina (Matt), Heidi (Ryan), James, Robert (Jessie), Ross (Stephanie) and Renae; he is also survived by his late sister’s son, William, whom George and Rena promised to always be there for. In addition to their children, George is survived by 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
On any given day, you could turn to George for a warm smile, big hug or a good laugh. And, if the right country tune came on, brace yourself! George was a man of few words, but always provided the right ones. Regardless the request, he always made time for his loved ones and no task was too large. A man who never put himself first, he was as genuine as they come, wiser beyond his years and all who encountered him left with a smile or a new joke to share. To say he will be dearly missed is an understatement. He wouldn’t want us to be sad or scared for him, but instead to embrace the memories, the jokes, the laughs, the love.
As irony would have it, the scene was all set: he left this world on his favorite day, Monday Night RAW, during the worst storm of the summer while his wedding song (Forever and Ever, Amen) played in the background. Until we meet again…Cheers!
A Celebration of Life will be held at Beaver Bowl on Saturday, September 1, 2018 beginning at 1:00 pm. Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you Rena and your entire family. We send our deepest sympathies in the loss of a wonderful man.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your dear loved one. May you cherish the blessing he was in your lives and keep him close to your hearts and minds. Isaiah 41:10,13