Katherine Marie Yernatich, age 64, longtime resident of Tower died Friday, February 3, 2012 in her home with family at her side. She was born January 9, 1948 in Soudan, MN, the daughter of Henry and Evelyn (Pulkinen) Niemi. She graduated from Tower-Soudan High School. Katherine was united in marriage to Jerry Yernatich on September 16, 1967 in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower.
Katherine and Jerry together owned and operated the Black Bear Café in Tower. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan – serving on their church council, and helping with confirmation and Sunday school. She enjoyed going to her cabin on Pine Island, planting flowers, and playing with her grandchildren. Katherine was a big football fan who ran up & down Tower's sidelines. For many years she organized and ran bus trips to Vikings games. Katherine also loved to travel with her husband Jerry. Katherine was a very caring person who will be deeply missed by many.
Katherine is survived by her husband: Jerry; two sons: Robert Yernatich of Tower, and Anthony (Brooke) Yernatich of Britt; three grandchildren: Skyler, Jersey, and James Yernatich; siblings: Bob (Sandy) Niemi of Ishpeming, MI, Billy (Cheryl) Niemi of Fayal Twp., Elaine (Orv) Nystrom of Ely Lake, Karen (Bill) Majerle of Duluth, and Ted Niemi of Camplesville, KY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son: Bradley.
Visitation will from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Memorial Service Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Soudan. The Reverends Berhanu Alengo and LeRoy Holmes will officiate.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Tuesday February 7, 2012 , 10:00 am - 11:00 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Soudan

Memorial Service

Tuesday February 7, 2012 , 11:00 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Soudan

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: January 9, 1948
Place of Birth: Soudan, MN
Death: February 3, 2012
Place of Death: Tower, MN
Occupation: Owner/Operator Black Bear Cafe
Hobbies: Spending time at the Cabin, growing flowers, traveling, spending time with grandchildren, cheering on the Vikings
Organizations: St. Paul's Lutheran Church