Victoria Florence (Lunak) Yates, 59, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks after a brief illness. 
Vickie, as she was known throughout her life, was born on February 9, 1963, at Thief River Falls, MN and as a preschooler moved to Crookston. She attended Carmen Elementary School, Highland Middle School, and began her high school years at Central High School. In 1977 came a move to Fertile where she completed her education as a 1981 graduate of Fertile-Beltrami High School. Vickie soon moved back to Crookston where she was employed at Hardee’s for many years and became a customer favorite with her warm smile and friendly greeting. She was happily married to Joe Yates Jr. during these years. Sadly, Joe passed away unexpectedly in 2013. Shortly after his loss Vickie moved to Grand Forks where she was employed in retail sales. She had been in a relationship with Mark Peterson for the past several years.
As a young girl Vickie enjoyed spending summers at Devils Lake, ND with her namesake grandma, Victoria Lunak, and aunt, Shirley Lunak. Another favorite summer spot was Maple Lake, near Mentor, MN. Two of her favorite activities were camping when it was warm and ice skating when it was cold. Vickie’s brothers remember what a happy girl she was while growing up, always smiling and giggling.
Loving family members include Vickie’s sister and 2 brothers: Wanda Lunak of Crookston, Alfred (Brenda) Lunak of Alexandria, MN and John Lunak of Minneapolis, MN; together with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; father, Richard; mother, Evangeline; grandparents, Alfred and Victoria Lunak; aunt, Shirley; and uncles: Alfred, Vernon, Phillip, John, and Dutch. Treasured be Vickie’s memory to her family and friends.
A memorial service for Vickie will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with The Rev. Pat Sullivan, presiding. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be offered to her family at www.stenshoelhouske.com
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