Joseph James YANCHAR

1943 - 2021

(US Army, Ret.) Colonel Joseph James Yanchar, known as Jack, died Sunday, September 19, 2021, at the age of 78. Jack died peacefully, in the presence of family, after having suffered the impacts of recent strokes. Jack was born on June 21, 1943, in Cleveland, OH, to Joseph and Genevieve Yanchar. He was the beloved oldest brother to Marilyn Tyre (Tim), Jennifer Smith (Dick), Gayle Bari (Mike) and Rick Yanchar (Nora). Jack was married to Mary (née Lofquist) on October 2, 1965, and together they raised three children: Chris (Christine), Tony and Terry. Jack was very proud of his grandson, Soren Yanchar. Jack attended Cretin High School, St. John's University, and USC. He served proudly in the US Army for 23 years with tours in the USA, Vietnam, Korea and Germany, with his wife Mary at his side. His civilian career included time at NAPCO, United Defense and BAE Systems. He was a quiet man with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and enjoyed spending time with family, being outside, working on cars, Twins baseball and reading with his grandson. Jack is survived by his wife, Mary, their children, his grandson and his siblings. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Genevieve, and his brother-in-law, Mike. Memorials preferred to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Tuff Start Rescue. Colonel Yanchar will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in the near future.