May 29, 2025
This morning our family’s patriarch, Wendell (Wendy) E. Yonker, went home to join his wife Dorothy and to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The coming days will be full of sadness and joy as our family celebrates and mourns the passing of our father and grandfather. Wendy Yonker was 101 years old.
Wendy is credited as the founder of Homewood Disposal. His dedication and wisdom molded the company in what it is today. The company’s core values are based on what Wendy believed and how he ran this company. When I see Wendy the waste truck, I will always remember my grandfather and the impact he had on my life and this company.
Wendy’s life was characterized by generosity and faithfulness. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He sought to honor and glorify God in all he did. He was a good steward of his business. He treated others with compassion and respect. He generously gave his time and resources.
Anyone who spent a little time with Wendy knew he loved people and loved learning about their lives. He was constantly encouraging everyone he met. He was interested in their life stories and was ready to listen and uplift them in any way he could. His kindness, generosity and faithfulness were a gift to us all.
Kyle Yonker and the Yonker Family
Funeral Service
Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church
7059 W 127th St.
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Saturday, June 7, 2025
11am
Wendell Yonker
Wendell E. Yonker is credited as the founder of Homewood Disposal, a refuse and recycling hauler located in Homewood, Illinois. Wendell (Wendy) began his leadership of Homewood Disposal in 1956 as a one truck operation and hasn’t looked back since. Wendy made a commitment to build the company on family values, a sense of loyalty and his faith in God. These values are still present amongst the third generation family members involved today.
Born on January 15, 1924, Wendy grew up in the Roseland area of Chicago with his two brothers Kenny and Norris. After high-school he enlisted in the Navy. He was educated while in the Navy to be a “radioman” and served until the conclusion of World War II.
After his service, Wendy married Dorothy and became an apprentice carpenter in hopes of learning the trade. After three years he started his own company, Lawndale Construction. Over the next seven years he worked as a carpenter until the opportunity arose to get into the waste industry. He jumped at the opportunity. With help from his family, Wendy was able to purchase the original assets from a couple of local businessmen and started Homewood Disposal.
Through the early years it took a lot of hard work to get Homewood Disposal off the ground. Over time Wendy’s philosophy of hard work, loyalty and great customer service started to pay off with continued growth. He cultivated relationships with customers, vendors, communities and other haulers. Many of those relationships still exist to this day and others led to acquisitions which helped in Homewood’s growth over the years.
Because of Wendell and his impact on Homewood Disposal, Wendy the Waste Truck® was created in his honor. Wendy the Waste Truck is a garbage truck that runs completely on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). He loves to recycle and is all about keeping the environment clean and safe for his friends! Wendy is also the mascot for Homewood Disposal’s education program. He, along with our team of recycling experts, visit schools to help educate students about the different ways they can help protect the environment.
Wendell Yonker
Wendell E. Yonker is credited as the founder of Homewood Disposal, a refuse and recycling hauler located in Homewood, Illinois. Wendell (Wendy) began his leadership of Homewood Disposal in 1956 as a one truck operation and hasn’t looked back since. Wendy made a commitment to build the company on family values, a sense of loyalty and his faith in God. These values are still present amongst the third generation family members involved today.
Born on January 15, 1924, Wendy grew up in the Roseland area of Chicago with his two brothers Kenny and Norris. After high-school he enlisted in the Navy. He was educated while in the Navy to be a “radioman” and served until the conclusion of World War II.
After his service, Wendy married Dorothy and became an apprentice carpenter in hopes of learning the trade. After three years he started his own company, Lawndale Construction. Over the next seven years he worked as a carpenter until the opportunity arose to get into the waste industry. He jumped at the opportunity. With help from his family, Wendy was able to purchase the original assets from a couple of local businessmen and started Homewood Disposal.
Through the early years it took a lot of hard work to get Homewood Disposal off the ground. Over time Wendy’s philosophy of hard work, loyalty and great customer service started to pay off with continued growth. He cultivated relationships with customers, vendors, communities and other haulers. Many of those relationships still exist to this day and others led to acquisitions which helped in Homewood’s growth over the years.
Because of Wendell and his impact on Homewood Disposal, Wendy the Waste Truck® was created in his honor. Wendy the Waste Truck is a garbage truck that runs completely on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). He loves to recycle and is all about keeping the environment clean and safe for his friends! Wendy is also the mascot for Homewood Disposal’s education program. He, along with our team of recycling experts, visit schools to help educate students about the different ways they can help protect the environment.