John Yohannan, 83, died March 14, 2010, in La Grande, Oregon.

John was born August 24, 1926, to Samuel and Nancy Yohannan in Chicago, Illinois. John grew up in Chicago and later moved to California, where he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He met his future wife, Nellie, at a picnic, and they were married June 25, 1960, in San Francisco. John lived for many years in the Bay Area of California and then in Modesto, California. More recently, John moved to La Grande, Oregon, to be closer to his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

John began work early in life, selling peanuts as a youth at Wrigley Field in Chicago. After college, John spent his career as an accountant and auditor for the California State Board of Equalization, mostly in San Francisco and Modesto.

John was an aficionado of jazz and big band music. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and the University of California Golden Bears. John also took great pleasure in sharing a glass of wine in the warm company of friends and family, who appreciated his good humor and fun-loving spirit.

Survivors include his wife, Nellie Yohannan, of Modesto, California; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Denise Yohannan, of La Grande, Oregon; sister, Dorothy Clark, of Turlock, California; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Brad Sleeper of Turlock, California; sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Kenneth Harold of Pleasant Hill, California; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, a brother, two sisters, and his parents.

Viewing will take place Monday, March 22, at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, California

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 N. Berkeley Ave., Turlock, California, with internment following at Turlock Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to a favorite charity.
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