----Source: TRG - Greenwood Library Scrapbook Collection 10/23/1996

VALENTINE YURKOVICH

Valentine Anthony Yurkovich, 85, Willard, Clark County, died Monday, Oct. 21, 1996, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996, at Rinka Funeral Home, Greenwood. Rev. Jerry Lamb officiated. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

Valentine Anthony Yurkovich was born on Feb. 10, 1911, in Joliet, Ill., to Anthony and Josephine (nee Podobnik) Yurkovich.

He moved with his family to St. Joseph, Mo., where he received his education. He moved to Greenwood at the age of 12, after, his parents and sister died, to live with an aunt and uncle. He farmed with his uncle and did other general labor. He moved back to Joliet, Ill. And worked in a stone quarry for a few years. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in April 1942. He served with the 531st combat engineers in Tunisia, North Africa, and Sicily, Great Britain and fought at the Normandy Landing on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He was discharged in May 1945. After returning from the service, he worked for Plautz Bros. Construction for many years and the Clark County Highway Dept. He married Sylvia Jelercic on Dec. 7, 1946. She survives. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was Supervisor for the town of Mead Town Board and on the Board of Directors for North Hendren Co-op Dairy.

Survivors include his wife three daughters, Mary Jo (Dennis) Sischo, Neillsville, Bonnie Yurkovich, Willard and Kitty (Dale) Wolf, Loyal three sons, Richard (Gabrielle) Yurkovich, Willard Edward (Peggy) Yurkovich, Willard and Luke (Judy) Yurkovich, Willard and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Yurkovich.

Rinka Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.