Obituary of Willard H. Yakel

rWillard H. Yakel, 82, of Central Avenue, Cohoes passed away at VA Medical Center, Albany on Friday, April 3, 2015 after a long illness. Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, educated in Colorado and was the son of the late Alexander and Mollie Meier Yakel. He was a US Navy Veteran, he belonged to the American Legion Post #1450 in Halfmoon and the VFW. He was a supervisor for Frazier Aviation in California, retiring after many years of service. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing golf, fishing and spending time at their camp at Crown Point. Survived by his wife, Mary Theresa Walsh Yakel of Cohoes, his children, Kenneth Wayne Yakel of Colorado, Ronald Q. (Deborah L.) Yakel of Iowa, Debra (Jerry) Bly of Iowa, Kathleen Greco of Cohoes, Michael Greco of Slingerlands and the late Fred Greco. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Brother of Harvey Yakel of Colorado and the late Rudolph Yakel, Richard Yakel and Ab Yakel, also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Monday 6:00pm at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes with Rev. Alfred Siegel officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7pm. Those who wish to remember Willie in a special way may make a donation to the VA Medical Center Project Lifesaver, c/o Lee Burns, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12208. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and Dr. Matthew at the VA Medical Center for the care given Willard.