Dennis D. Youk, a lifelong resident of Marion County, passed away Aug. 6, 2009.

Dennis was born Dec. 24, 1930, to Jonathan and Nina (Jones) Youk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jack Jr., and his sister, Charlene Stenzel.

He was raised to adulthood in Marion. Following graduation from Marion High School, Dennis proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and upon his discharge returned to Marion County.

Being a city boy, Dennis had never farmed before, but he chose to move to Durham, where he farmed for more than 40 years.

On Oct. 4, 1955, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Sandwell, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Marion.

Dorothy, their four children and their families, Teresa and Kevin Harris; Jeff and Cathey Youk and their son, Jeremy; Justin and Wendy Youk; and Jarrod and Marla Youk and their sons Brandon and Creighton survive him.

Dennis was a dedicated farmer and devoted his life to his farm and his family. His love of automobiles was demonstrated by his varied collection of cars and trucks throughout the years. All of his loves — family, the land, and automobiles — were combined with a bumper wheat crop in 1965. Dennis celebrated that Christmas morning by leading Dorothy to the garage where she found her Christmas present, a brand new Mustang, tied with a big red bow.

He carried his dedication to agriculture and the land to service in the Marion County Conservation District, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and devoted service. He served the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts as a director for 30 years, was elected by his peers to be state president, and represented the state and his fellow members throughout the country.

While attending a KACD meeting in Washington, D.C., Dennis experienced one of the highlights of his life with the opportunity to honor God and country by presenting the offertory gifts during Sunday Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the mother church of the Catholic faith in the United States.

He was past commander of American Legion Post 22 in Marion. Dennis also belonged to the Marion County Co-op Association, served many years on the board of directors, and was a member of Marion Historical Museum board.

The family suggests memorials to Marion Historical Museum, Marion City Library, or Holy Family Parish in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Marion KS 66861.

Visitation was Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.

The funeral mass was at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 10, 2009, at Holy Family Parish, St. Mark Catholic Church in Marion.

Private family inurnment services followed in Marion Cemetery.

Dennis, through his labors with the land and his labors of love, tried to make his community a better place. Our Maverick succeeded.