Paul R Yanisch

Paul R. Yanisch, age 91, of Gordon Wi, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Duluth, MN.

Born November 17, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN, he was the son of the late Henry Martin and Agnes Marie (Bachner) Yanisch. Preceded in death by brother, James Yanisch, sister Arlene Benigni and wife Gail Yanisch.

Paul survived by his little sister Marita Yanisch who resides in Alameda CA, daughters Alicja Nelson (Craig), Angela Yost, Anita Reinking (Dan), stepson, Mark Yanisch, grandchildren Ed Yost (Smanatha), Cory Reinking, Tom Yost, Mikayla Nelson, Jacob Reinking and Lucus Yost. Great grandchildren, Daxon, Arabella, Rory (Ed). Nephews and nieces Mark, Vince, Dave, Paul, Tom, Nancy and Jean (Arlene).

Paul worked for Whirlpool as a salesman for many years with his territory in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Once he retired, he moved from Rosemount to his happy place in Gordon WI on the lake in the home he built. He was a huge Green Packers fan and enjoyed watching many other sports. He loved classical music and often attended symphonies in Duluth. He enjoyed golfing, hanging out at his favorite watering hole, painting and creating intricate wood carvings. The Superior Paper published a story about his spider in a web carving and how he created it. He signed all his work as “The Great Yanisch”.

He loved visiting with his grandsons and was his granddaughter’s super fan and attended all her figure skating competitions for a decade, never missing one. He loved traveling and watching the wildlife from his chair, including the many hummingbirds and other birds he fed, deer and occasional bears. In his younger years he was passionate about downhill skiing. He traveled around some to follow this passion and has many stories of those days. While a student at the University of Minnesota he was part of the rowing team and proud of their accomplishments.

Many thanks to the staff and caregivers at Hilltop and St. Croix Hospice for their kind and respectful care and a huge shoutout to his good friend Bob for all the help and visits.

Memorials can be sent to St. Croix Valley Health Care Foundation, 235 State Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.