Therese (Tess) Mary Yakish, 79, of Burlington, formerly of Winona, Minnesota, passed away on Nov. 1, 2023 at Oak Park Place in Burlington. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Tess was born on Nov. 2, 1943. She and her sister, Paula, were raised in Winona by their parents, Ralph and Margaret Kolter. She was married on Jan. 15, 1966 to Philip Yakish in Franklin. Tess graduated from Cotter High School in 1961 and from nurses training in 1962, in Winona, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate. She resided in Winona until age 22 when she moved to Madison. She married Phil a year later and together they moved between Wisconsin and Minnesota several times finally settling in Burlington in 1989.
Tess had several career moves during her life. She worked in hospitals in Winona, Marshfield and Madison, a doctor’s office in New Berlin and several nursing homes. She especially enjoyed her work at the Oconomowoc area drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. She ended her working career as an office manager at a Racine photo studio.
Friendship was very important to Tess. Her favorite pastime was to be with the many friends she made through the years. She made new friends with each move and while wintering in Florida. These friendships span the United States and Canada. She was an excellent gardener and a founding member of the Burlington Garden Club. She loved to read and collect books, including many first editions. She was an avid card player and mahjong expert and always looked forward to playing with friends. She had a natural talent for interior design and passed on her love of decorating, antiquing, and collecting to her daughter. She would share her talent for making a house a home with anyone needing guidance. Her passion for travel led her to many European countries including England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Tess was not keen on turning 80 years old and left us just a few hours before her birthday ~ forever 79.
She is survived by her husband, Phil Yakish; daughter, Michelle (Jim) Grittner; son, Jon Yakish; daughter, Susanne (Kevin) Dobke; grandchildren, Seth and Joel Dobke and her sister, Paula (Don) Braatz.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Margaret Kolter.
An open house celebration will be held for her on Nov. 30, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington. Burial will be in Winona at a later date.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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