July 30, 1916 - March 28, 1998

SOUTH BEND - Frank John Yuhasz, Sr., 81 of South Bend, Ind., entered into eternal rest after a brief illness at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, in St. Joseph's Care Center.

Frank was born on July 30, 1916, in South Bend, to the late Paul and Anna (Kaplar) Yuhasz, who had recently emigrated from Austria-Hungary. He was a lifelong area resident. On Aug. 6, 1944, Frank married Jane Louise Mark, who died on Sept. 8, 1974. Frank was also preceded in death by three brothers, Paul John Yuhasz, Jr., William Yuhasz and Zoltan ''Steve'' Yuhasz, all formerly of South Bend.

He is survived by three affectionate sons, Larry Mark Yuhasz of South Bend, Frank ''John'' Yuhasz, Jr., and his wife, Ruth (Holmes) Yuhasz, both of Mishawaka, Ind., and David Michael Yuhasz and his wife, Jenny (Barber) Yuhasz, both of South Bend.

Frank is also survived by six adoring grandchildren, Melissa, Jane, Emily, Allen and Sarah Yuhasz of South Bend, Matthew Yuhasz of Mishawaka; and by one great-grandson, Joseph Yuhasz of South Bend.

Frank served in the U.S. Army during World War II and earned a Bronze Star. He always spoke proudly of his war memories. After returning to Indiana in 1945, he was employed at the former Simon Brothers as a truck driver until retirement.

Frank, a former student at St. Stephen's Catholic and South Bend Central high schools during the 1930s, enjoyed volunteering his time at numerous athletic and musical events at South Bend Clay High School and Darden Elementary School. He affectionately became known as ''Grandpa Yuhasz'' to many young people in South Bend.

Frank held a lifelong adoration for the movie, ''The Wizard of Oz.'' He befriended many of the original munchkins from the movie and traveled throughout the country to visit them. He supported the annual ''Wizard of Oz'' festival in Chesterton, Ind, as well.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, with Deacon Gary Chamberland officiating.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home, which will be followed by a wake at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend.

Frank led a good, honest life. His passing assures his family and friends that he is no longer in Indiana, but is destined for ''Somewhere Over the Rainbow.''