obituaries

Ande Yakstis

East Alton |

Ande F. Yakstis, 81, passed away 11:38 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

Born in Bethalto on June 17, 1933, he was the son of Andrew and Alvina (Johnson) Yakstis.

A Korean War army veteran, he was a dedicated member of St. John United Church of Christ in Wood River; and a licensed United Church of Christ minister and served on the evangelism team as well as 'clown' ministries.

Ande was a feature writer and investigative reporter for 'The Telegraph", where he nominated twice for Pulitzer awards.  He received an Elijah Lovejoy Award and along with Frances Jackson organized the Crisis Food Center in Alton. 

Ande recently co-authored "You Can't Kill The Dream",  documenting the civil rights movement in 1965, from the eyes of a young journalist.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Heath and Jessica Yakstis of Maryville; grandson, Ian Yakstis; nieces Shelly Jones and dawn Frohock; and nephew, Donald Yakstis, Jr.

Preceding in death were his parents; longtime dear friend and companion, Wanda Ringering; and two brothers, Donald and Andrew "Billy" Yakstis.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. john United Church of Christ in Wood River.  Pastor Michael Southcombe will officiate.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with military honors presented by Alton V.F.W. Post 1308, of which he was a member.

Memorials may be made to the church or Hope Community Center.

Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.


Obit Provided By:
Mark's Mortuary

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