Frank G. Yaktus

 

PORTAGE –  Frank G. Yaktus, age 78, passed away, due to a heart condition, on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at Tivoli, in Portage.

Frank was born on October 15, 1933 in Beaver Dam, the son of Frank and Lily (Peters) Yaktus.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Frank served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years after high school.  He moved to Portage, and met his wife Sherry Vincent Yaktus, soon after beginning work at the Weyenberg Shoe Factory.  They were married on February 1, 1958.  Frank was employed at Weyenberg Shoe Factory for 22 years, later he worked at the City Bank/First Wisconsin Bank/US Bank for 23 years until he retired in 2007.  Frank served the Portage community for many years through his volunteer work with the Meals on Wheels and Lifeline programs, as a member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church vestry, and through his support of the Columbia County Humane Society.  Frank loved dogs and raised 11 of them over the years.  He loved gardening and could fix anything.  Frank had many friends and will be missed by all.           

Frank is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sherry Vincent Yaktus, his daughter, Kelly Yaktus; his son, Keith (Tamara) Yaktus; his “honorary daughter”, Gloria Rasmussen; his grandchildren, Megan (Ryan) McKenzie, and Andrew (Angela) Yaktus; his great-grandchildren, Brayden McKenzie, and Olivia Yaktus; his siblings, Frances Manske, Phyllis Merrill, and Roland Yaktus, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Terry Yaktus.

Memorial services will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family extends a special thanks to the Sisters of Divine Savior, Divine Savior Healthcare, and Tivoli staff for the supportive and loving care of Frank during his final days.