Walter J. Yakich

Born to eternal life on June 4, 2014, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Mary Alice who he now joins in heaven. Cherished father of James (Kris), Kay (Joe) Schwendeman, John, Jan (Mike) Drzewiecki, Jay (Danielle), and Nan (Terry) Eaton. Loving grandfather of 18 including Carrie (Brian) Wargolet, Matthew (Brooke), Nicholas (Kristy), Tim, Andy (Darrah), Joey, Joshua (Morgan), Jennifer (Josh), Adam, Andrew (Jennifer), Daniel, Kaitlyn, Paul, Michael, Jason (Michelle), Jonathan, Jessica, and Katie May. Proud great grandfather of 14 including Zachary, Abigail, Sarah, Nadia, Luka, Adelynn, Ella, Sophy, Evelyn, Emmett, Gregory, Alexander, Andrew and Rosie with Jackson on the way.

Preceded in death by his son, James, and his grandson, Joey.

He is also survived by his brothers, Velimer, Donald (Margaret), Paul (Dolores) and George. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, business associates and friends.

Walter was the oldest of five brothers and he was born on September 20, 1923. He graduated from South Milwaukee High School where he met his future bride Mary Alice. He served in the US Navy during WW11 reaching the rank of Quartermaster First Class. Walter received his Mechanical Engineering degree from Marquette University. He married Mary Alice on November 16, 1946, and loved her dearly.

Walter found his life’s passion by answering a blind ad for quality control for Milprint, a manufacturer of flexible packaging material. Throughout his career, he held executive positions in plant management, sales and marketing. In 1978 at the age of 55 he started his own business in flexible packaging, Seville Flexpack Corporation. He designed and built four manufacturing plants and never retired. He would tell you that is why he lived as long as he did.

More than being a successful businessman, he was also a very generous and giving man. He began the Mary Alice Yakich Educational Foundation in honor of his wife. Over the past 15 years, he has been the silent partner for many outstanding young students and teachers.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kathryn A. Bylow, MD, and her outstanding team at the Froedtert Cancer Clinic for all of their care and compassion for Walter. In addition, the family greatly appreciates the support and care of the team at the Aurora Zilber Family Hospice.

Visitation will be at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church at 1441 W. Oakwood Rd. in Oak Creek, WI, on Friday, June 6, 2014, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen’s. Visitation at church at 11:30 a.m. until time of mass. Interment will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery at 3800 E. College Ave., Cudahy, WI.

Memorials may be sent to the Mary Alice Yakich Educational Foundation at 1640 E. Elm Rd., Oak Creek, WI 53154.