Captain Wilfred Oscar Jyrkas
January 18,1928 - June 29, 2011
Preceded in death by parents, Oscar Leonard Jyrkas and Victoria Ann Jyrkas. Survived by loving wife of 62 years, Beverly Ann Jyrkas, daughter, Coral (Champer) and fiancé, William Hicks of Blaine, MN; son Mark Jyrkas and daughter in-law, Rita Jyrkas of Oakdale, MN. Four devoted grand-daughters, who were the apple of his eye; Jennifer(Andrew Huber), Minneapolis, MN; Erica (Eric Steinke), Chicago, IL; Allison (Joel Formola), Edison, NJ and Andrea (Nick LeRoy), Woodbury, MN and their “soon to arrive” newborn son. Our family dogs, Frankie & Thor, SuziQ and Shady will miss Grandpa tremendously.
Wilfred served in the Navy, V-5 in World War II, 27th Infantry in Japan. He also served in the Army, 7th Division during the Korean War as a combat veteran. His chosen occupation was as a St Paul Police officer for 37 years and finished his career as a Police Captain. He was a Senior Commander at retirement but continued to consult in traffic accident reconstruction for some time after retirement. He was awarded the very first scholarship to the Traffic Institute at Northwestern University, in Chicago, IL. He loved to teach and did so for 25 years. After retirement, he served as President of the St Paul Police Retirees for many years and also served on multiple community, city and state committee’s. He served multiple roles in the Minnesota Korean War Veterans organization and was immensely proud of his and Beverly’s involvement in MKWV activities.
Later in life, mom and dad became ballroom dancers, and they spent many nights dancing the night away with all of their friends. He was a devoted husband, loving father, respected grandfather and the “proudest” Finn who was adored by his family and friends. We envy those who will be laughing at his jokes at Heaven’s door.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Visitation will be held at Sandberg Funeral Home, 2593 East 7th Street, North St Paul, 4:00PM – 7:00PM on Friday July 1st, 2011.
Memorial/Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 at 11 AM also at Sandberg Funeral Home.
Immediately following the service, Family and Friends are invited to join us for a light lunch and toast to a great man.