Joseph Yankovich, age 90, of Tecumseh, MI passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Chelsea Hospital. He was born on March 29, 1935 in Detroit, MI a son of the late Mato and Maria (Ovanen) Yankovich. On February 15, 1958 at St. David’s Church in Detroit he married Emily Elizabeth Williams and they have shared over 67 years together.
Joe began his career as a Detroit Police officer for 11 years and then went onto to work as a logistics manager for Central Transport for 23 years. He was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for 20 years and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus. When he wasn’t spending time with his family or at church, Joe loved to referee high school football and basketball games and to play euchre with his friends. He was a devoted grandfather and would travel all over the country to attend one of their events.
Along with his wife, Joe is survived by his children, Chris (Donald) Freeze of Commerce Twp., MI, David Yankovich of Warren, MI, Carolyn (Daniel) Curry of Ann Arbor, MI, Mary Beth (John) Yunker of Woodburn, IN and Michael (Cori) Yankovich of West Point, NY; 11 grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi) McLaughlin, Abigail (Josh) Fleming, Daniel (Amber) Yunker, Joseph (Kristi) Yunker, Erin (Brian) Boguslowski, Theresa (John) Timm, MaKenzie Yankovich, Mary Curry, Katie Yankovich, Michael Curry and Benjamin Yankovich; six great-grandchildren, Eamon, Harper, Grace, Anna, Maria and Eleanor and also many loving nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Mato Yankovich.
Visitation for Joe will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 11am-1pm at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, MI. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1pm with Fr. Dan Wheeler as celebrant.