Roger J. Yanish

Roger J. Yanish, 79, of La Salle, passed away July 8, 2024, in Allure Nursing Center in Mendota.

Mass of Christian burial will be 12:00 PM Friday in St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with The Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating.  Burial will be in St. Anne’s Cemetery in Spring Valley with full military services conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.

Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services.  The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is entrusted with services.

Roger was born in Granville on February 6, 1945, to William and Eva (Rogers) Yanish.  They were parents of six children.

Roger was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1965.  He served a tour from 1965 until 1967 in Vietnam.  He was wounded in the arm and leg on Good Friday in 1967.  He received the Purple Heart and medals of Gallantry for saving his fellow comrades and Vietnam civilians.

Roger married Patricia Ukena of Spring Valley on October 12, 1968, in Immaculate Conception Church.  They would have celebrated 56 years this year.  He worked at Lone Star, a union laborer, registered nurse and then Rolling Mills.  He loved his country, God, family and friends.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and his love of birds.

Roger is survived by his wife Patricia of La Salle; one son Rock (Melissa) Yanish of La Salle; four grandchildren Colton, Bryson, McKenna, and Gianna Yanish; one brother Bruno (Caroline) Yanish of West Virgina; one sister Beatrice (Gerald) Sterling of Spring Valley; many nieces, nephews and friends.  Roger will be missed dearly by his family.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Bill, Eddy and Tony Yanish.

Pallbearers will be Colton, Bryson and Rock Yanish, Mike Hunter, Rick Robinson and Joshua Waytenick.

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