Stephen D. Yanzetich Sr.

YANZETICH – Stephen D. Sr., 84, Sidman, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016. Born Nov. 23, 1931, in the Weyantown area of Sidman, son of Evan J. and Luba Catherine (Priselac) Yanzetich. Preceded in death by son, Stephen Jr.; parents; siblings, Evan, Eva, Joseph, Francis, Gabriel (Francie), Ken (Alice), Ed (Margaret), Paul (Verna) and Peter. He was the last member of his immediate family, affectionately called “The Boys.” Survived by his dear loving wife, Dolores (Selepak). After eight years of courtship, they were married on Oct. 20, 1956, and celebrated their 59 anniversary last fall. Also survived by his devoted son and extraordinary caregiver, Evan Joseph II. Like his father Stephen, he too shares the honor of being the youngest and also named for his grandfather. His special adoring niece and goddaughter, Susan, whom he regarded as the “daughter he never had.” His grandson, Stephen III, along with wife, Vanessa, and precious great-grandchildren, Jocelyn M. and Logan M., were the lights of his life that brought him endless joy. Other survivors include, sister-in-law, Mary Jane, widow of Evan Yanzetich, Elizabeth, Pa.; numerous nieces and nephews, especially goddaughter, Eva Marie Seftic, and the Bakale, Plasay and Klissanin cousins. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army, having been stationed at Camp Darby, Italy, from 1954 to 1956. While abroad, he was blessed to have attended Easter Sunday Mass at Vatican Square. Lifetime member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where he sang in the men’s choir. The owner-operator of Yanzetich Wood Products, Steve was a truly gifted and artistic master craftsman. Alongside his boys, Steve Jr., E.J., grandson, Steve, brother, Paul and brother-in-law, Joe, he would selectively harvest the trees, cut them into lumber and design and build anything from the ground up. We were so blessed that he shared his talent with so many and passed it on to the next generation. He especially enjoyed family reunions and gathering around the piano singing with loved ones. In his later years, he enjoyed reading the paper, solving the Jumble, watching television or just sitting on the front porch reminiscing. If you were having a horrible day you could always count on him to allow you to vent your frustrations. He would patiently listen, offer you a shoulder to cry on and hand you a clean work hanky to dry your tears. He’d give you his words of advice, put his strong arms around you with a big hug, sawdust and all, and coax you to smile with those big blue eyes of his and tell you that everything would be all right. How lucky we were to have those moments of kindness, empathy and true unconditional love and caring. He was a fun dad, husband, uncle, brother and friend. With all the sad news of today’s world, we could fill this paper with the life of love and joy he shared with us; his family, friends and all who knew this kind and gentle soul. There will never be another like him. There are three things that last: faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love. He taught us to love God, family and country. That is all that truly matters. Well done good and faithful servant. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home Inc., South Fork, where vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, by Rev. Father Leon Hont, OSB. Committal, St. Michael Cemetery. Military graveside service by St. Michael American Legion Post 551. ( www.DimondFuneralHome.com )