Mr. Yerbich was born Jan. 10, 1939, in Cle Elum, Wash., son of Midge and Rudy Yerbich. He spent his early years in Roslyn, Wash., and moved to Palmer at the age of 4.
Mr. Yerbich graduated from high school in Skagway. Following high school, he joined the Navy. He retired as a senior master chief from the Navy after 22 years of service. While in the Navy, he graduated from St. Leo College in Florida.
After retiring from the Navy, he began working at Argonne National Laboratory, and retired after 21 years on July 30,1999.
He married Patricia Blalock in 1960. They were later divorced. He married Sharon Alston Steiger on Dec. 27, 1986, at Pocatello.
Mr. Yerbich was a past exalted ruler of the Pocatello Elks Lodge, held other capacities, and was very proud of his accomplishments with the Elks Club restaurant, serving countless volunteer hours in all the operations of the restaurant.
At the time of his death, he was chairman of the trustees. Mr. Yerbich especially enjoyed gardening, furniture refinishing, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.
His family wrote: He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, gentle heart and generous volunteer work.
Mr. Yerbich is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, Dolph Yerbich, of Laughlin, Nev.; daughter, Heidi (Tracy) Turner of Pocatello; stepson, Justin Steiger, of Salt Lake City; and stepdaughter, Mendee (Carl) Henkey, of Salt Lake City; stepfather, Jim Deming, of Palmer; brother, Tommy (Sharon) Yerbich of Anchorage; sister, Bernice Yerbich, of Palmer; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his son, Tynner.
A memorial Mass was celebrated in the St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, July 3, at 1 p.m., with Father Joseph Muha officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Henderson-Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Southeast District Hospice, 1901 Alvin Ricken Dr., Pocatello, or the charity of your choice.
Source: Frontiersman, 14 July 2000
