Jennifer L. Yunk
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A visitation for Jennifer Letizia Belinn Yunk, 58, De Soto, will be held at 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel. Jennifer passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at her home following a battle with cancer. Her cremation remains will be buried at a later date with close family in attendance.
Jennifer was born on July 28, 1965 in Santa Monica, CA, the daughter of Elliott Roald and Patricia Ann (Dunn) Belinn. Jennifer moved to Burlington to work for Wolf Creek in 1989. In 1992, she married Steven Charles Yunk in Lawrence Kansas on February 29th. Steve and Jen proceeded to raise three children in Burlington before relocating to De Soto upon retirement.
She held multiple roles at Evergy Wolf Creek Generating Station most recently the Director of Organizational Performance until she retired in October of 2022 after 33 years of service and is remembered as a caring, inspirational mentor and leader to the teams she oversaw.
Jen was predeceased by her mother, Patricia Ann (Dunn) Belinn. Jennifer’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her husband Steve, their two daughters, Melissa Marie Yunk and Emmalea Anne Yunk; son, Zachary John Yunk; her father, Elliott Roald Belinn and sister, Anne Marie Belinn.
She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Burlington, KS.
Jennifer will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jennifer’s name to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
This is so sad. Jen was my boss on a special project. She was a fantastic leader. She was always prepared and made sure the team was prepared. In addition to that, she was a great person. I enjoyed and respected her a great deal. Condolences to Steve and their children as well as other family members.
I send this message with a heavy heart. I have always admired Jen while working with her at Wolf Creek. She was an outstanding leader, a friend and genuinely cared for others through actions. Her legacy will live on forever. My condolences to Steve and family.
I enjoyed working with Jen on multiple occasions. Prayers for her family.
I worked with Jen for the last 10 years as part of the Nuclear Safety Review Board at Wolf Creek. Jen was a change agent. She was not afraid to lean in where leadership was needed. She was listened to and recognized for her ability to bring people together to achieve greater things. She always had a smile on her face and dealt with issues with grace and composure. She was a wonderful person. She will truly be missed. My condolences to her family.
Jen was always a bright spot in your day!! From her first days at the Creek she was always smiling and genuinely cared about everyone!! She and Steve were an awesome couple! Prayers for Steve and their family!!
From waiting to pick up kids a pre-school, to passing each other onsite at wolf creek, Jen never failed to greet you with a smile the past 19+ years. I honestly this she meant it when she would wish you a good night/day. As well as truly cared when she would ask “how you doing today?”
The world is a bit darker without her light in it! She will be missed but not forgotten.
So sorry to hear about this. I worked with Jen several years while she was training manager at Wolf Creek’s Eisenhour Learning Center. She was one of the best managers I ever worked for She was kind and cared for everyone. Truly one of a kind and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for her and her family!
I was so saddened by the news of Jen’s passing. She was a great Manager to work for and a really nice person to be around. Very kind hearted. My deepest condolences to her family. 🥀
Jenn was the type of boss everyone wants to have. She treated employees like people, held you accountable and was your biggest fan/mentor. Jenn was one of a kind!
Jen was a great manager at Wolf Creek, and more importantly, a great human being that we all loved working for and with. Our condolences to Steve and family and may she rest in peace.
My Aunt Jennifer was one of the most kind-hearted, hard-working, smart, and generous person that I’ve known. I have so many fond memories of her from my childhood and into adulthood. She was a light that shined bright in our family. My family and I will miss her terribly. I have comfort in knowing she is at peace. Miss you forever Aunt Jenni!
Most all the comments I would have made already appear. Jen was a great person in all regards and my heart is sad she is gone from us but we will all remember her. Condolences to Steve and all the family as days move on
So sorry to hear about Jen’s passing. I worked with her a lot in the early years at Wolf Creek, she was always smiling and fun to be around. Prayers for Steve and the family.
As others have already said, Jen was so awesome to work with. Held herself and others to high standards, but always looked to help bring others up, never push anyone down. In addition, she was just a great person. She will be missed.
Jen was a one-of-a-kind person; she was always happy and cheerful. From the first day I met Jen, I realized she was a talker. Every time I saw her, she would stop and say hi. She knew how to make things happen and that’s what she did. My prayers and thoughts go out to Steve, Zach and the rest of the family.
I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Jen’s passing. She was not only a remarkable leader, but also a genuinely sweet, cheerful and considerate lady who touched the lives of everyone around her. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all who knew her.
Jen was the epitome of a true professional. She had a way to make you feel better about yourself when she took the time to speak with you, and she always took the time. She will be missed by all. My heart goes out to her family, everyone loved her.
I am so sadden to hear of this. Jennifer was a wonderful person and I was grateful to work for her. I will keep her beautiful family in my prayers. May the Lord give them strength and comfort during this very difficult time.
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” May God comfort Jen’s family with His loving embrace.
Jen was one-of-kind! I had asked her to be my mentor and she agreed without slightest hesitation. She had an easy going but professional demeanor. She was always on the go but would always take time out to say hi and ask how your day was going. She will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to Steve and their family.
Jen was always a bright light in her many roles at Wolf Creek. Her enthusiasm motivated many others. She will be greatly missed by all. Prayers and condolences to Steve and the rest of the family.
Jen was a person who could light up a room and lift up anyone around here. She was inspirational to a lot of people. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
So upsetting! I first met Jennifer in 1981 when she was a tour guide and the plant was still under construction. What a career she had! So sorry she was taken from us so early as were several others (Mary Brinkman and Steve Henry come to mind immediately). May she rest in peace eternally and may God comfort Steve and the rest of her family.
I had the pleasure of working with both Jen and Steve during my time at the Creek. Both exceptional individuals! I worked under Jen in Org Performance during some of my time at Wolf Creek and prior to her retirement, and Jen was by far a remarkable woman, leader, director, mentor, and friend! Jen had a positive impact on everyone she came in contact with! May my condolences bring some comfort and may my prayers ease the pain. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am heartbroken. Jen was an amazing person, mentor, and friend, and I will always cherish my time with her. She supported me personally and professionally when I needed it most and gave me the confidence and courage to pursue my goals. I feel blessed to have known her and am honored to call her my friend. I miss you, Jen.
Steve, Zach, Melissa, and Emma, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heaven gained a special soul
Jenn was an amazing and unique individual. She was dedicated, honest, trustworthy and loyal. She was always a pleasure to be around and made you feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Wolf Creek and those who came to know Jenn are better because of Jenn. Prayers for Steve and her children.
Jen had a unique gift to take on every assignment with an infectious enthusiasm that made every day better. Her work ethic was a model for all. When she was on the project the results would be a benchmark. Jen made a difference. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Her legacy will live on in her family and the many lives she touched personally and professionally.
I will always remember Jen for her beautiful, positive spirit. Her light still shines through the impact she had on those around her.
Jen was an amazing young lady. I admired from the day I meant her. She was so full of energy and life. She had the kindness heart. She was a great assistant to Wolf Creek. I loved working with her. God called one beautiful angel home. She will be greatly missed. Prayers going out to Jens family. May our heavenly Father hold each of you in his loving arms to help you through this terrible loss.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Aunt Jenne. I have fond memories of her from my childhood, when I would visit the extended family almost every summer and Christmas. She always had a kind and caring presence.
More recently, Aunt Jenne shared some words of advice and career guidance, which I took to heart. Her advice helped me tremendously. Her wisdom and kindness will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Steve, my cousins, and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
When we first met Jen, we were so happy our brother Steve had found an awesome person to date and so intrigued that she was from California and had so much family history she shared.
My MIL Goldie was in charge of finding tours for Young at Heart church group and arranged to go to Wolf Creek sometime in early 1990’s. She came back raving about her tour guide Jennifer Belinn and even took a picture of her that she showed us: when she found out that she was dating Steve, she was so excited! She always asked about Jen every time we talked! Thrilled when they married!
Jen and I were pregnant at the same time with Zach and my Sara and I have always felt a special bond because of that but also because I truly cherished all the times we spent together as a family and loving Zach, Melissa and Emma when they spent time at Camp Katie’s. Our sister Crystal would come each summer when all the nieces and nephews were little and we would alternate WOF and Oceans of fun!
My favorite memories are when we are all together as a family and all the cousins can just hang out and bond!
All my love to Steve, Zach, Melissa, Emma and Elliott, Annie and Sophie who lost a wonderful daughter, sister and Aunt💜
Praying for Steve & the entire family. This is a huge loss of a beautiful soul. Working with her was such a delight. Her smile was contagious & her work ethic impeccable. She will be missed by many. 💔
Jen inspired many of us that knew her. The work force looked forward to her speaking at group meetings and leadership presentations as she always delivered a clear message and had an amazing ability to capture the audience. She was a friend, neighbor, peer, leader and I had a great deal of respect for her.
Steve, Zach, Mel, Emma–I am deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. I am broken hearted to hear of Jen’s passing. It was an honor to work beside her, she taught me so much, how to be a respectful, honorable person and leader. I’m so grateful to have known her, I’ll always cherish our conversations over the last few years. I’ll especially fondly remember our Oprah’s Weekend Retreat in Atlanta, our laughter, our tears, our shared pure joy. Jen genuinely cared about others, her commitment and dedication in all aspects of her personal and professional life, I so admired, as I know everyone who knew her also admired. Her friendship was truly a gift to me. I will miss her so much. May the Lord wrap you all in his comforting and healing arms. Continuing prayers and hugs for you and family.
Life is short. Don’t blink! Hugh your loved ones each day and live each moment so You Will Never regret today, there are no replays! Jen Help Us All join you in Heaven! God Peace Be With You!
Hugs and prayers for your family.
Cheryl and I were deeply saddened to hear of Jen’s passing. She was a wonderful person and a very good friend. She was a key contributor to everything we were trying to do at Wolf Creek. A lot of good things have happened at the Creek under her leadership. Cheryl and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Steve, Zach, Mel and Emma.
Rest in peace Jen. You will be missed.
Jennifer was one of the most thoughtful, energetic and caring persons that I have known. Memory of her will live on through all of the people that had the privilege to know her.
Jen had a wonderful, happy spirit that was a positive influence to all those around her. Truly a gift and her legacy will live on through your children and grandchildren. Cherish the memories you had together and know she is in a wonderful place and you will meet up with her again some day.
Sending love and hugs… And an extra big hug to Emma cause she was one of my “babies” 🙂 Jenny’s beautiful smile and loving personality will carry on through all of you. Heaven has indeed received a very special angel!
Jennifer was a remarkable woman that became a role model to many. Her always positive attitude made a difference in my life. I am a better person for having crossed paths with her. Thank you, Jenn…for everything!
Sad news to see Jen is gone. She always had a smile and a positive comment, her influence on Steve was profound. R,I P. Jen, you were the best of us.