Ronald Wayne “Yonk” Kurfman, 80, of Payson, passed away at 8:32 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Ronald was born on October 16, 1943 in Annada, Missouri, to Emil and Mary (Coulter) Kurfman.
Yonk graduated from Liberty High School in 1961. Before retiring, Yonk built a distinguished career, working diligently as an operator at Adam’s Stone and Material (Central Stone) and later managing Hesco Payson Hardware and Auto Supply. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army National Guard, where he was called to serve in Vietnam. Those who worked with Yonk knew him as a reliable and dedicated colleague and friend.
Yonk was a man of many interests. His hobbies ranged from collecting coins and golf balls to keeping his lawn impeccably maintained. An avid bowler, he enjoyed the friendly competition and camaraderie that the sport brought. Although he enjoyed golf on occasion, he enjoyed the courses at Camp Point and Barry. His love for the St. Louis Cardinals was unwavering and he loved the opportunity to visit Busch Stadium. His daily routine also included his morning walk to the Payson Fastop.
Above all, Yonk’s dedication to his family and the joy they shared was the hallmark of his life. Cheering on his brother’s fastpitch softball team and supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events were moments he cherished. Yonk’s life was the embodiment of dedication and created priceless memories and a lasting legacy.
He is survived by his two children, Kimberly Sue Goodwin (David) and Michael Wayne Kurfman (Renea), both of Liberty, IL; six grandchildren, Trisha Goodwin (Troy), Tara Davis (Craig), Zachary Goodwin (Kendra), Landon Goodwin (Nick), Grady Kurfman, and Kenley Kurfman; four great-grandchildren, Drake and Deacon Davis, Keenan and Knoxleigh Goodwin; and three siblings, David Kurfman, Dwain Kurfman (Theresa), and Evelyn Weisenger.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jim Kurfman, a sister, Ruby Uhland, a great-granddaughter, Hadlee Davis, two sisters-in-law, Melody Kurfman and Carolyn Kurfman, two brothers-in-law, Harold Schmidt and Lowell Uhland, a nephew, Randy Kurfman, and a niece, Sheryl Johnson.
Friends and family are invited to a Yonk’s Life Celebration wake to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Rev. Steve Disseler will perform the ceremony. Interment will follow in Payson New Cemetery in Payson, IL with full military honors by the Payson VFW and the United States Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blessing Hospice.
Online condolences and video tributes can be shared at www.ODonnellCookson.com.
