Frederick Yauch

Frederick Yauch, 81, of Stevensville, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:30 PM Saturday October 11 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with Rev. Krehl Stringer officiating. Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday October 10 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Activity Fund at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in Berrien Center. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fred was born May 15, 1927 in Cabin Creek, Montana to Daniel and Ida (Strum) Yauch. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1945. Following graduation, Fred served his country in the Merchant Marines from 1945 to 1948. He began his career at various trade positions in St. Joseph culminating as a Lead Dispatch employee at Whirlpool Corporation with over twenty-five years, retiring in 1980. His passion for life was reflected in his construction of numerous homes in the Lakeshore area. Following retirement, Fred owned and operated Florry’s Polka Den in Bridgman for over eleven years. He enjoyed spending time in the sky over Berrien County flying his own airplane. Fred was a jack of all trades, there wasn’t a task that he couldn’t figure out and complete. He was always available to help others whether it was in Stevensville Michigan or traveling throughout the country in his RV. Fred was a member of the First Baptist Church in St. Joseph, the Stevensville American Legion Post #568, and the Whirlpool Oldtimers. Fred is survived by his children – Linda (Richard) Irons of Stevensville, Robert (Sherrie) Yauch of Niceville, FL, and Laura (Dan) Hanson of Stevensville; step-children – Debbie Dennison of Hawaii, Lee (Darcy) Dennison of Rapid City, SD; five grandchildren – Tara (Bruce) Modigell, Jennifer (Dave) Bourion, Danny Hanson II, Lindsey Hanson, and Lisa Hanson; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren – Jackson and Emma Modigell; and two brothers – Richard (Mary) Yauch of Waukegan, IL, and Walter (Betty) Yauch of Livonia, MI. He was preceded in death by his first wife Sophia Palmer Yauch, his second wife Lorraine Ludwig Dennison Yauch, and a granddaughter.