Please join us in celebrating the life of Kevin Yonak on November 1st, 2025 at the Monticello VFW 713 South Cedar Street Monticello, MN 55362 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Kevin was born at Hart Hospital on West Broadway in Monticello, Minnesota to Rose (Svoboda) and George Yonak Sr.
He began his education at the Middagh One-Room Schoolhouse in Buffalo Township, MN where he often joked he was the toughest kid in his class-since it was just him and his nephew! He continued on to Monticello High School, graduating with the Class of 1976.
Kevin spent many years working for Yonak Sanitation and was co-owner of FCR Landfill. After the landfill was sold, he continued his entrepreneurial path by founding and operating his roll-off business, Demcon Disposal Service Inc. (DBA: DDS Roll-offs) first alongside his brother Rod and later his wife Linda. He also enjoyed driving for Kolles Sand and Gravel.
Before retiring, Kevin worked for Monticello Township, where he handled snow plowing and road maintenance. He was an expert equipment operator. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t operate and made it look easy.
During his 67 years, Kevin lived his life to the fullest. He had a passion for Harley Davidson Motorcycles, hobby farming, raising cattle, tending horses and harvesting hay. As a vintage
car and truck enthusiast, Kevin especially loved anything International Harvester. He loved deer hunting, wrenching on his collection of classic vehicles and took great pride in fully restoring his father’s beloved International dump truck.
Kevin was deeply interested in politics and never shied away from a spirited debate. A staunch conservative, he believed strongly in grassroots government and served on the Monticello Township Board for four years. He was a Lifetime member of several organizations including the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), International Harvester Collectors Club (IHCC); and Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA).
Known for his love of good food – especially sweets - Kevin somehow managed to eat anything he wanted without gaining a single pound, earning him the nickname “String Bean.” He had a soft spot in his heart for animals and was never without a pet or two (often times more). His dogs Ranger and Mika and of course his beloved cat Butch were always by his side.
Kevin faced Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) with courage and strength. Even in the toughest of times he never lost his sense of humor. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 25th 2025.
He is survived by his friend, care giver, and wife of 26 years Linda Yonak; father-in-law Robert “Bob” Marquette; brother-in-laws Greg Kjellberg, Gary (Barb) Kjellberg; sister-in-laws Jan (Wayne) Yonak, Carla (Rodney) Yonak; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and countless life-long friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister-in-laws Preston and Mayella Yonak, George Jr “Georgie” and Margie Yonak, Russell and Betty Yonak; brothers Wayne Yonak, Gary Yonak and Rodney Yonak; mother-in-law Joanne Marquette and father-in-law Keith Kjellberg.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Charles “Chuck” Banks Jr., Chris Yonak, Ellie Yonak, Andrea Kjellberg, Cindi and Marty O’Neil; and Kevin’s care team-Lisa Gulbrud, Jace Kutzi, Allen Trepanier, and Jean Pankiewicz for helping fulfill his wish to spend his final days at home with his dogs, Ranger and Mika.
Kevin’s warm smile and goofy sense of humor will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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