Dennis Yarnik

Dennis Michael Yarnik, 78, of Staunton, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born November 28, 1947 in Litchfield, IL, the son of the late Arthur & Margaret (Cailotto) Yarnik Sr. He married Gayle A. Masinelli on April 17, 1971 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton, IL & she survives.

Dennis was a 1965 graduate of Staunton High School & attended Ranken Technical College, graduating with a degree in Communications Electronics. He worked several jobs before starting at Shell Oil Company in 1977, retiring in 2012. He was a part-time police officer with the Staunton Police Department, & coached & served on the Board of the City Baseball League. In the mid-1970’s, Dennis was one of the original crew that started the Staunton Area Ambulance Service, serving for over 25 years as an EMT, Board Member, & Treasurer. Unbeknownst to his children, he was “Santa” for several years for the Junior Service Club, his mother acting as his accomplice/seamstress. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, recently elected to serve as an Elder for the Church. As a car enthusiast, Dennis was a Southern Illinois Safety Inspector with the National Street Rod Association for many years.

He is also survived by three children - Jeff (Janelle Franke) Yarnik of Staunton, IL, Julie Orr of Staunton, IL, & Jennifer (Brooks Pfeiffer) Yarnik of Mt. Olive, IL; one grandson - Joshua Franke of Staunton, IL; his mother-in-law - Dolores Masinelli; & several nieces & nephews also survive. Besides his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by three brothers - Ron, Jerry, & Art; his father-in-law - Charles Masinelli; & his son-in-law - Phil Orr.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL, & again from 9 to 10:45 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Phil Girardin officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church-Steeple Repair Fund or to the Staunton Area Ambulance Service.

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. To order flowers or leave an on-line condolence, please visit our website at www.williamsonfh.com.

Life’s Road

Life’s road is like climbing a mountain. It seems easy at first, but as you go on it will get harder. There will be times that you might think about taking a short cut, but that would be wrong because you might get lost on the way or perhaps get tangled like a fly in a spider’s web. So, keep on the right path. God will be watching you until you get to the top, waiting for you with open arms.

Grandma Cailotto

Obit Provided By:
Williamson Funeral Home