Harry Lee Yaskus, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by his family in the Bitterroot Valley.
Harry was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio on January 9, 1943, the youngest of three children to Joseph Charles Yaskus and Helen Sustersic. Harry’s father passed away in a mining accident in Ohio when he was 4 years old. The family later moved to Seattle, WA when Harry was 10 years old. As a child Harry was loved and cared for by his older siblings, Sheila and Richard. He enjoyed exploring the outdoors from a young age and was known for his hard working and independent spirit.
Three days after graduating from high school, Harry signed up for active duty with the United States Army for two years, just missing the Vietnam war. He served as a dental assistant there, which gave him the idea of becoming a dentist. When choosing his career as a dentist, being able to live in the state of Montana was a must.
Harry’s best friend, Harold Frickey, introduced Harry to Kay Hill and he was smitten by her beauty and personal goodness. The couple were married January 1, 1964 in Seattle. Harry attended the School of Dentistry at the University of Washington in Seattle. When he graduated from school in the spring of 1971, he and Kay were pregnant with their third child and moved to their dream location in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. There he began a private dental practice where he served the Stevensville community and surrounding area for 38 years. During that time he and Kay lovingly raised a family of six children.
Harry is survived by his sister Sheila Julich; six children, Matthew (Kim), Shauna (Brandon), Sherri (Doug), Barry (Heidi), Jayme (Keith), Shane (Carri); 29 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard, his wife Kay, and his granddaughter Lauren Yaskus.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 100 Middle Burnt Fork, Stevensville, MT. Friends may visit with the Yaskus family at the church from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Victor Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.