Gerald Yerks

Gerald Paul “Punchy” Yerks, age 84 of Rogers City, &
passed away September 22, 2013 at Rogers City Tendercare.

He was born July 19, 1929 in Rogers City
to Ted and Laura (Hopp) Yerks.

Jerry graduated from Rogers City High School in 1948. He served in the
United States Navy during the Korean War. On July 18, 1959 he married
Hazel Neumann at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan. Jerry retired from
the Calcite Plant in August of 1985, Punchy was a Golden Glove Boxer. After his
boxing days, he trained fighters and had a national winner. He enjoyed and loved
playing sports. He was noted as the oldest runner to finish the Nautical Festival
5 Mile Run. Mr. Yerks umpired for 32 years and was Chief of the Little League
Umpires for many years. Jerry and his wife Hazel were parade marshals for the
Little League parade, Jerry was inducted to the Softball Hall of Fame on
August 20, 1994. Mr. Yerks was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a
Life Member of the Rogers City VFW Post 607.

Mr. Yerks is survived by:
his wife, Hazel;
3 children, Tammy McKenzie of Rogers City, Ricky (Debbie) Yerks of Alpena, and
Kathy (Douglas) Earl of Paw Paw;
6 grandchildren, Alan Yerks of Los Gatos, California,
Cierra (Jacob) Kicliszewski of Tyler, Texas,
Ryan Yerks of Las Vegas, Nevada,
Jamie Yerks of Alpena,
Mackenzie Earl and Zachary Earl both of Paw Paw;
brother , Robert Yerks of Rogers City.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Laura and a brother, Melvin.
Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m.
with VFW tribute at 7:00 p.m. followed by the prayer service. Visitation will resume
at St. John Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. through time of funeral
at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor J. Derek Riddle officiating.

Rogers City VFW will accord full military honors immediately following
church services.

Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in memory of Gerald Yerks to St. John Lutheran Church.