Robert “Bob” Yanish, age 79, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, November 21, 2022, in Bethany on 42nd, Fargo.
Robert Michael Yanish was born in Boise, Idaho, on April 29, 1943, to a military couple, Robert J. and Alice M. (Stensgaard) Yanish. Bob’s early years found them living at several military posts. They also welcomed two girls, Joan and Linda, to the family. He and his sisters went to grade school, and his mom and dad were employed in education and
welding, in Climax, CO. The family returned to North Dakota and found their farm close to Itasca Park. Bob went to high school in Bagley, MN, where he met Kathleen Galli, and they became sweethearts. His love for music grew during his high school and early college years at UND. Bob met two lifelong friends in college, and they formed the Greenbriar Trio. They decided to interrupt college and tour singing folk music. He returned to college at BSU, Bob and Kathy were married on August 17, 1964, and they lived in Bagley. Bob finished his degree in music at Bemidji State. He began his teaching career at his own high school in Bagley where Bob taught vocal and instrumental music for three years.
Bob and Kathy welcomed Kristin Marie on October 5, 1965, and Karla Jo on August 31, 1967. After 3 years, Bob and Kathy moved to educational positions at Mahnomen HS. They welcomed baby girl #3 on September 21, 1974, Jennifer Kay.
Later, Bob took a leave from teaching and tried his hand at selling insurance. He missed teaching and students, so he accepted a position in vocal music in Crookston, MN, for 17 years before retiring. Bob had 34 years of teaching, and the students related to Mr. Y and loved him.
Bob and Kathy moved to West Fargo in 2013 and made their last move to Bethany retirement village in 2022.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathy: 3 daughters; Kris (Ed) Pavlish of East Grand Forks, MN, Karla (Roger) Anderson of Fargo, ND, Jennifer (Braden Kuznia) Taylor, Fargo, ND; 7 grandchildren: Tony (Ashley) Pavlish of West Fargo, ND, Mat (Kayla) Pavlish, East Grand Forks, MN, Ashley (Travis Church) Pavlish, Fargo, ND, Christopher (Miranda) Taylor, Fargo, ND, Randy (Katie Spokely)Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, Brady Anderson, Fargo, ND, Danny Anderson, Grand Forks, ND; and 5 Great Grandchildren: Cora (16), Bella and Jack (11), Carter (7) and Ashton (5). Also, a sister Linda (David) Maschwitz, his sister-in-law Nancy Viktora; brother-in-law Chuck (Linda) Galli; numerous nephews and nieces and grand nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his mom and dad, his father-in-law, and 2 mothers-in-law; sister Joan; 2 brothers-in-law, and other aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, November 28, 2022, at 11 AM in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND. Visitation will be held in the church one hour prior to his service.
Interment: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Bagley, MN, Spring 2023
