Josephine Marie Yunk's Obituary
Racine – Josephine Marie Yunk (née Minneti), age 98, passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2025, with her family at her side. She was born in Racine on November 9, 1927, to Natale and Anna Marie (née Sammarco) Minneti. Josephine enjoyed a long and full life marked by devotion to family, hard work, and joyful curiosity.
A proud graduate of William Horlick High School, Class of 1946. On September 12, 1948, she married the love of her life, Ernest Frank Yunk, in Racine, beginning a partnership of 61 years filled with love, adventure, and shared purpose.
Josephine poured her talents into every kitchen she entered. She refined her culinary skills by continuing her education at Racine Technical College, earning a two-year associate degree in restaurant and hotel management, a foundation that would inspire a remarkable culinary career.
She served as Head Chef at Prairie High School from 1970 to 1971, worked as a Garde Manger at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee from 1971 to 1978, and later brought her culinary vision to life as owner of Custom Caterers, Inc. from 1978 to 1991. From 1987 to 1991, she operated Josephine’s Pasta Shop, a beloved local favorite. After retiring in 1991, her generous spirit found new expression in volunteer work. She devoted countless hours to the Racine Heritage Museum (1992–2019), the Volunteer Center of Racine (1995–2019), and Toys for Tots (2009–2019). Her faith was central to her life and was a faithful member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Josephine had an active and inquisitive mind. She was an avid reader and treasured her daily crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and genealogical research. She also never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved Green Bay Packers – even telling family not to call during a game! She and Ernest enjoyed traveling together, especially to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mexico, and Arizona. Earlier in life, Josephine cherished annual trips to the Yunk family homestead too.
Her love of cooking was felt by all who knew her. She curated an impressive collection of cookbooks and delighted in preparing cherished family recipes from old-world Italy, especially Ma’s Soup, a hearty classic, and scalette, an Italian pastry drizzled with honey. She enjoyed collecting Native American baskets and watching the birds and squirrels that visited her backyard each day.
Josephine will be lovingly remembered by her children, Margaret A. (Michael) Stacey, Ernest H. Yunk, and Diana R. Clark, Raymond H. Yunk; her grandchildren, Ann M. (Jeffery) Leiner, Christopher (Heidi) Hesthaven, and Michael P. (Jennifer) Stacey II; her great-grandson, Cayden Hesthaven; and her sisters, Anna Lawler and Frances Aiello. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
She is now reunited in everlasting peace with her beloved husband, Ernest F. Yunk; her parents, Natale and Anna Minneti; her brothers, Anthony, Paul, John, Nicholas, and Dominic Minneti; and her sisters, Carmella Brunneson, Lucy Junk, Mary Ernst, and Micheline Olson.
Josephine was fortunate to have the loving companionship and care of her son Raymond as a devoted caregiver for many years. The entire family extends their gratitude to Compassus Hospice and to the nursing and administration staff at Ridgewood Care Center for the compassionate care shown to her.
Josephine will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love. She was a remarkable woman whose legacy will be the inspiration in the hearts of all who were shaped by her presence.
Josephine’s life will be celebrated at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, November 28, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Catholic prayer service at 12:00 p.m. A committal service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery – Hwy 32 on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions in Josephine’s memory may be made to the Racine Heritage Museum or Toys for Tots.
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