David H. Youkel's Obituary
DAVID HENRY YOUKEL, age 72, passed away on August 16, 2024, in San Diego, California. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
David was born on August 24, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, to his parents, Shirley Ruth Geibel and Frederick Thomas Youkel. The family soon moved to Toledo, Ohio, and finally settled in Garden Grove, California, where he spent his formative years. He had 4 siblings: Tom, Rob, Pat and Kathy. He married his sweetheart, Jill Catherine Wilson on December 30, 1972. They raised five children and the family primarily lived in Lake Forest, California, Bullhead City, Arizona, finally settling in San Diego, California in the summer of 1987.
David worked in the construction industry for approximately 20 years, and at the age of 40, went back to school and earned his Electronics Engineering Degree. He worked for several years at General Instrument, Motorola and Flextronics. Throughout his professional career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, leadership and attention to detail.
David had a real love for sports and excelled in every sport he ever played. He was especially talented in baseball, playing pitcher, third base and center field. He was known for his fast pitching and held several records during his youth for tournaments held at Angel Stadium. While attending Garden Grove High School (1967-1970), the coaches and his father begged him to go out for football, baseball and track. All were certain he could have played professional baseball if he continued. He claimed that he would have, if he was not required to cut his long hair.
David loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, playing sports, camping, fishing, sharing stories, playing games, listening to rock & roll, and going to the movies to see his favorite Sci-fi films. While living in Bullhead City, Arizona, he helped organize AYSO Soccer, being Assistant Commissioner, Head Coach and Chief Referee. He coached all of Brett’s, Todd’s and Kimberly’s soccer teams. While Coaching Brett’s Champion Soccer Team and the All Stars Team, he was undefeated.
In his free time, David loved listening to all kinds of music, especially Rock & Roll, attending concerts and building models of Star Trek ships. He also enjoyed coin collecting and was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
David is survived by his loving wife, Jill Catherine Youkel, his children: Brett David Youkel, Todd Robert Youkel, Kimberly Marie Youkel, Chadd Thomas Youkel and Chett Michael Youkel; his grandchildren: Tyler Allen & Margaret Rose; as well as his siblings, Thomas Youkel, Patricia Richardson and Kathy Semon. David’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held on August 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (12835 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129). A viewing is available prior to the services beginning at 9:00 am. His final resting place will be at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway, California. Donations are encouraged to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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