A gentle loving man, Edward S. “Ed” Yashinsky, 91, Spruce, went to heaven with special friends Grace and Leora by his side Saturday evening, Oct. 24, 2015. He was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Spruce to John and Anna (Liptak) Yashinsky.
Ed grew up on the family farm in Spruce and attended Oconto Falls Public Schools, graduating from high school with the Class of 1942. On May 29, 1954, he married Dolly Spencer at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Suring. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Oconto Falls and eventually settled on the family farm, where they raised their four children, instilling a strong work ethic in each of them.
Ed and Dolly always enjoyed being together whether it was work or play, starting and ending each day with a kiss.
Along with farming, Ed was also employed for 34 years at Scott Paper Co. in Oconto Falls, retiring in 1989. Ed was a faithful and active member of St. Anne Catholic Parish in Lena and formerly Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spruce, where he ushered, volunteered for the Feed My Sheep Food Pantry and belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball for the Klondike hardball league and Scott Paper Co.
He continued to follow baseball throughout his life watching the Brewers and always betting with Dolly that the National League team would win the World Series. He enjoyed bowling, golfing with the Mulligan Crew and playing cards weekly with lifelong friends.
Ed took great pride in nurturing his vegetable gardens (especially his potatoes and tomatoes), which he insisted on sharing with family and friends. He and Dolly would often joke as to whose garden was better.
He loved polka music. The “Mollie B Polka Party” was his favorite show, and he was very proud to have recently met Mollie herself.
One of his greatest gifts to his family was his wonderful sense of humor. He had a quick wit, and every pun was intended. Grandpa supported his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities. They experienced the tenderness and the patience of a saint. When he knew someone’s heart was hurting, he offered to be that extra Dad or Grandpa willingly.
Survivors are his loving wife of 61 years, Dolly Yashinsky, Spruce; their four children, Lois (John) Stranz, Plymouth, Michael (Mary) Yashinsky, Spruce, Julie (Ed) Marohl, Cecil, and Carole (Gary) Steffens, Oconto Falls; 10 grandchildren, Billie (Rich) Rau, Sarah (Jamie) Broehm, Trisha Yashinsky (fiancé Chad Trudell), Lindsay (Jason) Falk, Brittany (Mike) Cook, Abigail and Alexis Wendricks, Maxwell Marohl, Lacey Steffens (fiancé Justin Manthei) and Olivia Steffens; 10 great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ethan Rau, Parker, Haleigh and Peyton Broehm, Bryce and Kenton Peterson, Riley Yashinsky, Jayden and Jack Falk; one brother, John Yashinsky, De Pere; sisters-in-law, Jean Forrest, Mountain, and Karen Spencer, West Bend; one brother-in-law, Butch (Donna) Spencer, Maysville, Kentucky; and blessed with many, many nieces and nephews; and grand-dogs, Belle and Willy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary (Theophile) Markiewicz and infant Anne Yashinsky; one sister-in-law, Alveda Yashinsky; in-laws Elijah and Esther Spencer, including their children, Slim (Evelyn), Tom (Alice), Jack (Anita), Jim and Tootles (Leo); brother-in-law, Les Forrest; sister-in law, Rose Spencer; his beloved pets, Wimpy, Wimpy, and Wimpy, Hoochie and Copper, all of whom loved him dearly and were happily overweight.
Visitation will be held after 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 221 E. Main St., Lena, until the time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Celestine Byekwaso and Deacon Peter Gard officiating. Burial will take place in Pine Hill Cemetery, Spruce.
Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the family.
Ed’s pallbearers will be his cousin David Hallada and nephews, Jerry, Jim and David Markiewicz, Bob Yashinsky and Gary Spencer; honorary pallbearers will be his lifelong friends Paul Yatso, Dutch Krejcarek and Buzz Kamke.
A special thank you to Oconto Falls Ambulance, Oconto Falls Fire Department, Oconto County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol as well as family, friends and neighbors for their continued support.
Our dad lived a wonderfully rich life centered on faith, family and loyal friendships. He brought much joy into the lives of those around him. Until we meet again, Dad, we will miss your humor, your smile, those bright blue eyes and your large, hardworking hands that embraced us.
Ed’s belief was, “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.”
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