John F. Yirsa Jr., age 91, of 712 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Sunday January 21, 2007 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where he was a patient. John was born September 1, 1915 in Chicago, IL the son of John and Anna (Wagner) Yirsa. John was raised in Berwin, IL and he attended school at Morton High School in Cicero, IL. John was united in marriage to the former Irene Auger on March 30, 1940 in Cicero and they resided in Cicero, Berwin and Chicago prior to moving to Gladstone in 1951. Together they owned and operated the Yirsa Convalescent Home in Gladstone for several years. John also did masonry work for over 65 years.
John was an avid outdoorsman and he loved working in his garden. He especially enjoyed perch and walleye fishing on Little Bay De Noc where he could always be found on the
Anonymous
Irene: John was very special to all of us and will be sadly missed. He was always so kind. My favorite memory of John was one time when there was a pool tournament at the Swallow Inn and there were two young kids there – they said – “man – I hope we get to play the old guy”. We told them “you better hope you don’t have to play the old guy”. My best to you and your family.
Heidi and David Shope
Rapid River, MI
Dear Irene, John, Pat, Jim and Lois,
I was sorry to hear John passed away. Please give Irene a hug from me and extend my sympathy. God bless you all.
Lynn George
Escanaba, MI
I had the privilege of caring for John in the hospital his last 3 days of life and to be with him at his death along with Irene. I learned a lot about this man and how much he loved and valued his family. (Very proud of his 2 sons!) We shared lots of stories and some laughs… he loved all of the phone calls he got on Saturday. my condolences to his family