John A. Yergler, 91

John A. Yergler, 91, of Kellogg, passed away July 20, 2011, at his home in Kellogg. He was born April 3, 1920, in Gridley, Ill. John was the son of Harry and Emma (Lutticken) Yergler.

John attended and graduated from Gridley High School in Gridley in 1938.

John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and it was during this time that John met his beloved wife to be Rella McKinley in the city of Seattle. John and Rella were married on Oct. 21, 1945, at the Federated Church in Kellogg. Rella passed away March 28, 1987.

John, Rella and family moved to the Silver Valley in 1954 from Illinois.

John was a letter carrier for the Kellogg Post Office in Kellogg for 30 years; he retired in 1977. He had also served as the Veterans Service Officer for Shoshone County for seven years.

John was a member, past exalted ruler and had served as a district deputy for the Kellogg Elks No. 1841 for 50-plus years; he also was a member of the American Legion; a member of the VFW; a member, past club president and wagon master for the Good Sam RV Club. John was also known for his great barbecuing and his motto was "Kissin Don't last, but John's Cookin Do!!!! He barbecued for the Elks Pork And Apple Fest, the Habitat For Humanity, Molly B' Dam Days, Ski Patrol fundraisers and private functions.

John was a farmer at heart; in his earlier years he raised farm animals and grew wonderful gardens. John had a heart of gold and a beautiful smile for everyone. He would often volunteer to plow snow from sidewalks and driveways for many people and for the city of Kellogg. He would do anything for anyone. John was loved by many friends and greatly loved by his family. He also loved and enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking and telling jokes and stories.

John is survived by four children and their spouses, Carol and Dick Gilman of Clarkston, Wash., Larry and Linda Yergler of Pinehurst, Gary and Aline Yergler of Kingston and Cathy, and Patrick Stanford of Rathdrum; 10 grandchildren Lori, Kari, Shawn, Katie, Jennifer, Hank, Will, Reid, Raine and Emma; seven great-grandchildren Quincy, Avery, Alexander, Oliver, Kevin, Liam and Rowan; and two sisters Gerry and her husband Jack Sievers of Gridley, and Eileen Roberts of Bloomington, Ill. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rella in 1987; his companion of 20 years, Norma McGraw and four brothers.

Cremation was held and a Celebration of John's Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at the Mountain View Congregational Church in Kellogg. Inurnment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg. A reception/luncheon will be held at the Kellogg Elks following services; everyone is invited.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Save Our Sports, c/o Dick Schreiber, 2 Jacobs Gulch, Kellogg, ID 83837 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

You may sign John's online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.