On Sunday, September 25, John Clifford Yoder, a beloved father and family man, passed away. He was ninety-five. Born to Ray and Dorothy (Hostetler) Yoder in Orrville, Ohio, John graduated from Ohio Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science enjoying success in the theatrical and media arts as both a thespian and radio/television producer. John was a World War II veteran and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Air Corps. John is survived by his brother Tim (Mary) Yoder, two sons, Gorm (Mayra Bottaro) Yoder and Mark (Jennifer) Yoder, and beloved grandson Max Yoder.
John was a renaissance man as his passions were grounded in art (impressionism), music (classical and jazz), literature (historical novels and poetry) and travel. Books were a true passion, and he could often be found reciting Shakespeare, poetry, or famous philosophers. It was during his adventures in Europe (Denmark) where he would meet his future wife Alice (Andersen) Yoder.
Upon getting married and moving back to the United States, John pursued a career in broadcasting starting at WFMJ (Youngstown) and later moving to NBC (WMAQ) in Chicago shortly thereafter where he produced the television program Today in Chicago. John also enjoyed success in the Public Radio arena where he won a Peabody Award for a series of public affairs programs called Conversations in Wingspread. In this forum, he engaged with important government officials and politicians (e.g., Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Henry Kissinger) asking the important questions of the day, and even swapped food recipes with Ladybird Johnson at the LBJ Ranch. During this period, John also appeared in various television programs and commercials capitalizing on his theatrical interests, performing even in recent years in SAG-AFTRA old time radio shows and an episode of South Side on Comedy Central.
John was an avid Chicago sports fan and a lifetime supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes and played tennis and golf close into his nineties. John can also boast having witnessed the Chicago Cubs winning a world series during his long illustrious lifetime.
John, a lover of food, libations, and the art of conversation, touched the lives of many people and will be missed by all that knew him.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 4 p.m. at the American Legion Evanston Post 42, 1030 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead donate to the Wilmette Public Library, www.wilmettelibrary.info.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WmScottFuneralHome.com for the Yoder family.
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