James Walter Yankovich

Chassell: James Walter Yankovich, 67, of Chassell, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin after a short illness.

He was born in Hancock on February 20, 1953 to the late Mary Theresa (Kolka) and Walter “Bobo” Yankovich. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1972.

Jim worked at Kirkish Furniture for many years. He then started with the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1988, retiring from there in 2015. In 2000, he married Laurel Fontaine.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a cousin Mike Kolka and an aunt Helen Larson.

He is survived by his wife, Laurel Yankovich; his daughter, Jonnelle Yankovich; stepchildren Steven Alexander and Jessica Alexander Weese; a cousin, Danny Kolka; and an aunt, Alice Kolka.

Visitation will be held at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home limited to family and close friends. Graveside services and burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in the spring with Rev. Fr. William Ssozi to officiate.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider making donations to the Copper Country Humane Society as Jim was a lover of animals of all kinds and caretaker to many.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences for the family, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com. 

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