John F. Yirsa Jr., age 91, of 712 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Sunday January 21, 2007 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where he was a patient. John was born September 1, 1915 in Chicago, IL the son of John and Anna (Wagner) Yirsa. John was raised in Berwin, IL and he attended school at Morton High School in Cicero, IL. John was united in marriage to the former Irene Auger on March 30, 1940 in Cicero and they resided in Cicero, Berwin and Chicago prior to moving to Gladstone in 1951. Together they owned and operated the Yirsa Convalescent Home in Gladstone for several years. John also did masonry work for over 65 years.

John was an avid outdoorsman and he loved working in his garden. He especially enjoyed perch and walleye fishing on Little Bay De Noc where he could always be found on the “Yirsa Reef”. He played in several Pool Leagues in Escanaba and Gladstone and he won the first Good Sportsmanship Award in the area of which the award is now named after him. John was always a good sport rather he won or lost. John treasured time spent with his family and friends and he will be sadly missed.

In addition to his wife Irene, survivors include:

2 sons: John W. (Pat) Yirsa of Sebring, FL; Jim (Lois) Yirsa of Naples, FL

6 Grandchildren: Ann Marie, Carrie, Jason, Jennifer Yirsa and Terry and Gary Dagenais

9 Great Grandchildren

2 Sisters: Helen (Raymond) Nelson of Green Valley, AZ and Alvina Oechslin of Naples, FL

He was preceded in death by his parents

According to John’s wishes no visitation or funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gladstone High School Scholarship Fund, envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home.