Joseph G. Yanko, Jr.

OTTAWA - Joseph G. Yanko, Jr., 79, of Ottawa passed away Friday morning, March 2, 2012, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Naplate with Reverend Jules Adator celebrating. Burial will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery with full Military Rites provided by the Ottawa Veterans Group. Rosary service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 with visitation following from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home. Mr. Yanko's grandsons will serve as pallbearers and his granddaughters will be honorary pallbearers. Joseph was born May 12, 1932 in Ottawa, a son of Joseph George Sr. and Minnie (Machetta) Yanko. He married Ann P. Matas February 5, 1955 at St. Stephen Church in Streator. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann, of Ottawa; his children, Gary (Kayla) Yanko, Cathy (Dennis) McGrath, and Mary (Tim) O'Donnell, all of Ottawa and Judy (Reece) Thayer of Morris; his grandchildren, Joshua (Sandra) McGrath, Rob (Ashley) McGrath, Tom (Brooke) McGrath, Corey (Kate) O'Donnell, Dan (Stephanie) O'Donnell, David O'Donnell, Allyson and Janice Yanko, and Amanda, Katie and Matthew Thayer; six great grandchildren; and his brother, Robert (Roseanne) Yanko of Modesto, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters in infancy. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army in Korea and worked as an inspector at Libbey-Owens-Ford for over 45 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Naplate. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Holy Name, and a former member of the Moose Lodge. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved spending his leisure time taking care of his yard. Joseph was a devoted father and grandfather and cherished his time spent following his grandchildren to their various sporting events. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.