Jerry James Yernatich, age 75 of Tower died Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Essentia Health – Virginia. He was born July 2, 1942 in Soudan, the son of Anthony and Ina (Erickson) Yernatich, was a 1960 graduate of Tower-Soudan High School and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He married Katherine Niemi on September 16, 1967 in Tower and was a longtime resident of the Tower area. Jerry taught industrial arts in the Ely and Eveleth School Districts and purchased the Black Bear Café in 1976. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan, and enjoyed time spent at the cabin on Pine Island, travelling, and was an avid Vikings fan. Jerry cherished time spent with his grandchildren, he baked cookies for the kids, and was an accomplished conversationalist.

Jerry is survived by his children: Robert "Rob" Yernatich of Tower and Anthony "TJ" (Brooke) Yernatich of Soudan; grandchildren: Jersey, Skyler, and James; sister: Marlene (Jim) Saretzky of Springfield VA; sister-in-law: Margaret Yernatich of Duluth; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathy in 2012; son: Bradley in 1989, and brother: Jack in 2009.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2017 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan. Pastor Joel Hasz will officiate. A Gathering Time for Family and Friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Spring Inurnment will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower.

Family services provided by Bauman – Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Monday December 11, 2017 , 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Soudan

Memorial Service

Monday December 11, 2017 , 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Soudan

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: July 2, 1942
Place of Birth: Soudan, MN United States
Death: December 3, 2017
Place of Death: Virginia, MN United States
Occupation: taught industrial arts in the Ely and Eveleth School Districts and purchased the Black Bear Café in 1976
Hobbies: Jerry cherished time spent with his grandchildren, he baked cookies for the kids, and was an accomplished conversationalist.
Organizations: member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan, and enjoyed time spent at the cabin on Pine Island, travelling, and was an avid Vikings fan