David J. Yez, age 82, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at 4:23 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Monmouth Nursing and Rehab. David was born on April 22, 1943 in Turners Falls, Massachusetts; he was the son of John J. and Julia R. Pliska Yez. David’s early life was in Millers Falls, Massachusetts where he attended grade school. He graduated from Turners Falls High School in the class of 1960. David did his undergraduate work at Monmouth College earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1964. He later received a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1970. David married Margaret “Dee Dee” Farm on June 11, 1966 at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth; she survives. David was a Physical Education teacher employed by Monmouth District #38. From 1964-1986 he worked at Monmouth High School. From 1986 until his retirement in 1994, he taught in the District’s elementary schools. He was the Head Coach of the Boys and Girls swim teams, assistant football coach, and a Driver Education instructor. Upon David’s retirement, he started his second career as a handyman doing lawn care and painting. He also worked at Monmouth College as supervisor for student teachers and as the assistant coach, then head coach, of the swim team. David was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, and he served as treasurer at Jamison Community Center. He loved his family, reading, and football.
David is survived by his wife, Dee Dee of Monmouth, his daughter Christa Yez of Elgin, Illinois, and his son Brandon Yez (Alison) of Havertown, Pennsylvania. He has three grandchildren: Ollie, Henry, and Vivienne Yez. David’s is also survived by one sister, Judy Moore (Craig) of Belchertown, Massachusetts. Several sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews are surviving. He is preceded in his death by his parents, his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned by his family on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, Illinois. His family plans a visitation and will receive their friends and family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Interment will then be in Monmouth Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for the football program at Monmouth-Roseville High School. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
