In Remembrance: William H. Yohn Jr. ’60JD Died on February 3 2026

Hon. William H. Yohn Jr. passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026.

Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, William was the son of the late William H. Yohn Sr. and Dorothy Cornelius Yohn. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Kochel Yohn; his children, William H. Yohn III (Douglasville, Pennsylvania) and Elizabeth Yohn Lemmon, wife of Duncan Lemmon (San Ramon, California); his grandchildren, Alexander, Marcus, and Blake; his siblings, Marcie, Mary, and Charlie; and his extended family and friends, who will miss him deeply. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Bradley Gerald Yohn. 

William (Bill) attended Pottstown High School, where he distinguished himself as class president and valedictorian. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University as a proud member of the Class of 1957 and subsequently earned his juris doctor from Yale Law School.

As a committed public servant, Bill dedicated his career to the service of others. He served in the US Marine Corps and reserves. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and served on multiple boards of directors including the Pottstown Public Library, contributing his wisdom, fairness, and leadership throughout his life. His legal career began in private practice, then serving as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and with the consent of the Senate was appointed by President George H. W. Bush as a US District Court judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Bill will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, kindness, and devotion to his family. He was a lifelong skier, Philadelphia sports fan, and newspaper reader. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pottstown Public Library, 500 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464, or to the charity of your choice.

—Submitted on behalf of the family.