Daryl Yorek was born on October 19, 1951, to William Marion Yorek and Victoria Theresa Podraza Yorek. As one of seven children, he grew up in a lively household in Houston, Texas, after his parents immigrated from Prussia. Victoria not only tended to her own children but also cared for the neighborhood kids, making their home a hub of laughter and love.

Although Daryl excelled academically, his true passion and talent lay in baseball. He played for the North Houston Little League All-Stars, and in 1963, his team won Houston's first Regional championship since 1950. This victory qualified them to play in the Little League World Series, where Daryl's natural athleticism shined. Alongside his love for baseball, Daryl also enjoyed playing the guitar and attending live music events, cherishing the tunes of the Beatles and James Taylor, further showcasing his diverse interests and zest for life.

Daryl continued his accomplishments in higher education, with the same zeal he had on the baseball field. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1973 and went on to complete his DDS and MS at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 1977 and 1979, respectively. Following his post-graduate studies, Dr. Yorek practiced in Houston for 16 years before relocating his practice to Tacoma, Washington, in 1996.

Dr. Yorek's love and passion for his work and patients were evident throughout his career. He actively pursued continuing education with enthusiasm and was involved in several professional organizations, including the American Board of Orthodontists, the Washington Damon Study Club, the South Sound Dental Study Club, the Pierce County Dental Society, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. By staying current with advancements in technology and treatment methods, he ensured his patients received the highest level of care possible, always with a warm smile.

As a leading Damon specialist in Tacoma, Dr. Yorek emphasized non-extraction, noninvasive approaches to provide comfortable and effective treatments. Yorek Orthodontics offered TADs as an alternative to some oral surgeries and created custom oral devices as alternatives to CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea - all while maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Outside of his professional life, Daryl was dedicated to community involvement and supported various organizations with his characteristic good humor and generosity, including the Pierce County Humane Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Fallen Lakewood Police Officers Fund, Special Needs Groups, and several local schools.

Daryl's hobbies were as diverse and spirited as his personality, spanning from skiing in the Alps and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to kayaking in Fiji and golfing at picturesque courses. He was an avid runner and maintained his love for travel throughout his life, with frequent trips to Hawaii, where he enjoyed the island's beauty and relaxed atmosphere. He also loved food and was especially good on the grill. Cooking for people was one way he showed love. Known for his intellect, wit, and excellent memory, Daryl was a captivating storyteller with a great sense of humor that brightened every room he entered. His passion for live music and playing the guitar often brought joy and entertainment to friends and family alike.

An enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan, Daryl also had an artistic side, which included a fondness for creating rhymes and writing poetry. His second wife introduced him to the world of jeans, which became a staple in his wardrobe after not owning a single pair before they met.

Daryl is proceeded in death by his brother Frank Yorek and parents William Marion Yorek and Victoria Theresa Podraza Yorek. Daryl is survived by daughter Ashley Yorek, son Blake Yorek, grandson Kieran Khan, sisters Nancy Bohac and Cindy Robertson, and brothers Glenn Yorek, Pat Yorek, and Kenneth Yorek. Services will be held at Spring Creek Barbeque on April 15 at 5 pm, where we will celebrate Daryl's life with the same warmth and laughter that he brought to all of ours.

Join us as we share stories of Daryl's passion for music, his love for the Green Bay Packers, and his talent for writing poetry. Let's honor his memory with the same lightheartedness, wit, and vibrancy that characterized his life, making sure to cherish the moments and the memories we made together.

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