Louis F. Yanz, the big lefty has been called up to the Eternal League to pitch for St. Peter’s Angels, with the trade becoming official on Saturday, October 26, 2024. (He always had a heavenly swing.) Louis Yanz passed peacefully at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, surrounded by love and care.
Lou was born Nov. 18, 1937, in Fort Atkinson, WI, to Daisy Strincevich Yanz and Wendell Yanz. At the age of five, he moved with his mother to Gary, Indiana, where he attended Franklin Elementary School and Lew Wallace High School through 11th grade. Lou returned to Fort Atkinson for his senior year and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School. A natural athlete, Lou earned letters in track, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he pitched for Milton College, where he was discovered by a scout for the Cincinnati Reds. Lou began his professional career in the minors with the Reds before transitioning to the Minnesota Twins organization, where he pitched for five years.
In addition to his time in baseball, Lou served his country as a Marine reservist for seven years. When he returned to Fort Atkinson, Lou cemented his legacy as a local legend on the softball field. His passion for sports was only part of his story—he also loved golfing, fishing, reading, music, and art.
Lou is survived by his devoted sister Fran and her husband, Chuck Frandson, who was also Lou’s close friend and brother-in-law; his “favorite and only” niece, Sarah Dorfman, and her husband, Simon; and his great-nieces, Thea and Harper, and great-nephew, Charlie, who adored their “Uncle Lulu.” He is also survived by many beloved cousins and dear friends, whose lives he touched deeply.
Lou was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Yanz; stepmother, Alma Yanz; mother, Daisy Mance; stepfather, Frank Mance; and his grandparents, Luka and Caroline Strincevich; and Frank and Theresa Yanz.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses, staff, and volunteers at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center for the care and kindness they showed Lou in his final weeks. Lou even enjoyed the first game of the 2024 World Series with one of his nurses, Tessa—an experience for which we are incredibly grateful.
A visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home on Thursday, November 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. Lou requested that his life be celebrated with a party at the Legion Dugout, 201 South Water Street East, Fort Atkinson, which will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on the same day. Please join us in raising a glass to honor Lou’s remarkable life.
If desired, memorials in Lou’s honor may be made to the Rainbow Hospice Foundation, 147 West Rockwell Street, Jefferson, WI 53549.
Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Louis F. Yanz
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