Paul J. Yutka

August 19, 1941 - July 4, 2024

Paul Joseph Yutka, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 19, 1941, in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, and moved with his parents, Joseph and Michaelene "Scotty" Yutka, to Kenosha at the age of five. Paul grew up in Kenosha alongside his sisters, Lorraine, Jackie, and Micki.

Paul attended school in Kenosha and graduated from St. Joseph's High School in the class of 1959. During his high school career, Paul excelled as a multi-sport athlete, distinguishing himself in football, basketball, and baseball. In his senior year, he was named Most Valuable Player for the St. Joe's football team, earning recognition as Kenosha's Outstanding Athlete of 1958 and Catholic Athlete of the Year. Paul received numerous accolades, including selection for 1st Team All-State in football, 1st Team All-Conference in baseball, and 2nd Team All-Conference in basketball. He scored both the first rushing and passing touchdowns in St. Joe's history and still holds the record for Most Kickoff Return Touchdowns in the Metro Conference. Paul was inducted to the Lancer Athletic Hall of Fame on October 15, 1995.

While Paul was an incredible athlete in high school, he is remembered by his classmates to have been an even better person. Many of the friendships he made during his early years have lasted his lifetime, especially those made with his very special Class of ’59.

After high school, Paul had opportunities for college scholarships and with professional baseball teams. He chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to play football for the Badgers. Unfortunately, an injury ended his collegiate football career and his time at Madison.

In October 1963, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a Medic at Bitburg Air Force Base as an Airman First Class in the Fighting 36th. Some of Paul’s closest friends, cherished throughout the rest of his life, were men with whom he served in the Air Force.

During his three years stationed in Germany, he had the opportunity to combine his talents in baseball with his military service by playing ball for his base as they competed against other military baseball teams throughout Europe. He was such an integral teammate that when he broke his hand, they molded his cast around a bat so he could still hit the ball. Paul loved telling stories about his time and travels in Europe.

Paul was honorably discharged in October 1969, having exemplified the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all he did.

In 1968, Paul founded Yutka Fence after having worked on various fencing projects for local contractors. Frustrated by the lack of control he had over the quality of materials he was allowed to use, Paul decided to start his own company so he could offer fences he was proud to put his name behind. Paul’s work ethic and the quality of his fences earned him business throughout Kenosha and the surrounding areas. Today, you can still find some of Paul’s early fences standing, some even 50 years after they were installed.  

In the summer of 1969, Paul met the love of his life, Trudy, on a blind date they both were hesitant to go on. After three years of dating, they were married on November 25, 1972. Paul and Trudy had two sons, Chad and Brett. Paul adored his sons and took great pride in their accomplishments. Although owning his own business meant he worked six and a half days a week during most of the year, Paul was always there to help Chad and Brett in sports, cheer them on during games, and be a constant source of support and influence in their lives. When his sons were old enough to walk, Chad and Brett began installing fences with Paul. The bond and admiration Chad and Brett have for their father was greatly strengthened by their years working together. Paul and Brett operated the fence business together beginning in 2004, and Paul did the very physical work of installing fences full time until the age of 67. Up until age 82, Paul remained part of the business, doing sales and the occasional fence job when he felt the urge to use his hands and do the physical work that brought him joy and satisfaction for decades.

Outside of work, Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors pursuing his hobbies. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed any time he could get out on a course with his sons. One of Paul’s proudest accomplishments was winning the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce Golf League Championship in 2023 at the age of 82 with his son, Chad. Paul remained active in the league until June 12 of this year, when he shot a 43 in league play. In addition to golf, Paul loved fishing, travel, playing cribbage, watching westerns, and cheering for the Cubs, Packers, and Badgers.

Paul leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration that will be cherished by his wife Trudy, his sons, Chad Yutka and Brett (Laurie) Yutka, and his three grandchildren, Rocco, Bo, and Adria.

He is also survived by his sisters Lorraine (Charlie Giorno) Pecnick, Jacqueline (Dennis) Heintz, and Michaelene "Micki" (Ivan) Johnson, his brother-in-law Rick (Debbie) Klinghagen, his nieces and nephews Jeanne (Chris) Haverkamp, John (Dawn) Pecnick, Denise (Dan) Simmons, Richard "Tony" (Pam) Pecnick, Michaelene (Cheryl Conlee) Johnson, and Erika (Shawn) Lennon, and numerous close friends and extended family members who will cherish his memory.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Scotty Yutka, and his brother-in-law Albert "Pudge" Pecnick.

Funeral Services for Paul will be held on Thursday, July 11th at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church (919 – 60th St.).  Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bruch-Hansen Funeral Home and on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of service at First United Methodist Church.  Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery.