William G. Yena

A great man, Mr. Yena. Firm but fair, he was an outstanding gym teacher and administrator. I learned so much from Mr. Yena during my years at Forest Road (1968-1975) and we were all blessed to have known him.

Shared by mark zima on 9/26/2016 4:49 PM

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remembering Mr. Yena from Forest Road School when our sons, Mark, Rich, Tom and Jim attended there and also at Park Middle School. Good memories of a good man.

Shared by barbara zima on 9/26/2016 4:28 PM

Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our family truly enjoyed knowing him, as a teacher, a park district leader, and youth sports fan. I worked with Bill for 12 years on the Community Park Board and was so impressed with his concerns for the youth of the Village. He started some great programs and set the standard high for the Community Park District. I am so glad we named the park after him....it is something all of the kids who knew him can remember him by. My condolences to the family. I am sorry we missed the event at the Park this past weekend, but will keep you all in our prayers

Shared by elaine layden on 9/25/2016 11:52 PM

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Yena was the person who hired me at the Park District and I will always remember him fondly. Your family is in our prayers.

Shared by beth eckert & family on 9/24/2016 12:32 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was so important to the Community Park District and to the entire Village. His footprints are found throughout the community and we are all so lucky to be the beneficiaries of his efforts.

Shared by karen boyd on 9/23/2016 8:05 PM

My deepest sympathies to your family. Mr. Yena was an inspiration and mentor to many of us. He especially went out of his way to be very firm with the administration at Forest Road to allow my handicapped youngest brother to participate in PE classes known then as gym class. He argued that my brother was not handicapped just different. He was way ahead of his time. P.S.: My brother was scouted at one time by the Oakland Athletics as a left fielder!

Shared by susan a. anderson - forest road class of '63 on 9/21/2016 7:34 PM

Mr. Yena was a roll model for all of us. It was my honor to not only have him for a teacher but to see him in "retirement" still serving the community. He will be missed.

Shared by tom crooks (fr 63) on 9/21/2016 12:58 PM

We are so sorry to hear about Bills passing our love and prayers go out to his Family.

Shared by george & nancy isdale on 9/21/2016 12:49 PM

Dear Barb - my sincere condolences to you and your family on your father's passing. Hugs and prayers to you during this difficult time. Norma

Shared by norma zanghi on 9/20/2016 9:38 PM

So sorry for your loss. He was a special person and will be missed. My sincere sympathies to the family.

Shared by carole sramek on 9/19/2016 11:32 PM

My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr. Yena was a great guy and he will be missed. I so remember the night that we were back and forth on the phone and email trying to figure out the tune to the Forest Road fight song. Too much fun! All of LaGrange Park will miss him.

Shared by laurie (laben) jordan on 9/18/2016 9:23 PM

RIP, MR BILL YENA....Every small town in America needs a MAN/WOMAN like you to be that special teacher/administrator....that special coach....that special mentor....that special friend....and yes, that special baseball umpire....I remember you behind the plate, the man in the mask with bubble protector, calling balls and strikes, yelling safe or out for LGP LL/PL and even LTHS varsity baseball ....RIP

Shared by ray jahaaski(fr'63) on 9/18/2016 5:46 PM

Mr Yena was a true inspiration!!! He always motivated you to be the best that you can be. I will forever remember him, this world has lost a great man!! Forest Road School Class of "63"

Shared by john campise on 9/18/2016 4:56 AM

Best wishes and condolences to the family of Bill Yena. Mr. Yena as we at Forest Road called him. A kind and gentle man beloved by many. Be at Peace in the hands of the Lord my dear friend and teacher. We learned more then sports from you. We learned character and integrity.

Shared by greg burnham on 9/18/2016 3:24 AM

Mr. Yena was a great teacher, a wonderful role model and a strong community leader. My deepest sympathies to the entire Yena family. May he rest in peace.

Shared by mike minella, fr class of 1963 on 9/17/2016 6:01 PM

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Yena. I saw him at the 8th grade class reunion in 2011. I will never forget him!! He made me a better person and was always kind & strict if he needed to be. I know he touched & taught many important life lessons that we carry with us today. My dad & mom owned the Ben Franklin Store in La Grange Park, and told me in 2011 that he wished we had not had to close that store up. Again my thoughts & prayers are with your family. Thanks for sharing him with us!!!

Shared by ken johnson (forest road class of 1972) on 9/17/2016 1:08 PM

Nancy, Barbara, Mrs. Yena and the entire extended family. I'm truly sorry to hear of Mr. Yena's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. He was great man. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Shared by kathy petko on 9/17/2016 11:37 AM