Cover photo for Andrew J. Vanyo's Obituary
Andrew J. Vanyo Profile Photo
1933 Andrew 2013

Andrew J. Vanyo

June 26, 1933 — August 15, 2013

Andrew J. Vanyo, 80, Moorhead, MN, died on Thursday, August 15, 2013, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Andrew J. Vanyo, Jr., was born on June 26, 1933 in Tabor, MN, to Andrew J. and Anna Yurko Vanyo. He attended rural school near Tabor, a mile and a half from his home and was taught by his sister Irene. He completed grade school in Alvarado. High school was completed at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN. He went on to St. John’s University at Collegeville, MN, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree and Seminary training. A year from ordination, he made the decision to leave.

Andy worked for Catholic Social Services in Red Lake Falls, working in adoption and foster care. He married Judith Proulx on July 3, 1965 in Red Lake Falls and they moved to Moorhead, MN, where he continued to work for Catholic Social Services.

In 1967, he attained his Master’s degree in Social work with a focus on counseling at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus. He returned to Moorhead and when Catholic Social Services closed the Moorhead office, he worked for several private agencies and also operated his own agency in partnership with Jim LePore, offering counseling and guidance.

Andy had a strong faith that he lived out daily. He shared that faith with his family and the people who knew him.

All his life Andy loved to play cards, with pinochle being his favorite game. In recent years he was a regular pool player at the Fargo Senior Center where he eventually took over scheduling the weekly tournaments. He enjoyed gardening, baking and especially eating pies. He was particularly known for his apple pies. Most of all, he had a passion for family, specifically his children and grandchildren. Andy was very proud of his heritage. He made it a point to incorporate favorite ethnic foods during the holidays and special occasions.

Andy is survived by his wife, Judy Vanyo, Moorhead, MN; children Anne Brad Swenson, Fargo, ND, Carol Vanyo, Moorhead, MN; David Vanyo, Brooklyn Center, MN, Jennifer Steve Abele, Eau Claire, WI, and Angie Vanyo, Fargo, ND; sisters Mildred Novak, East Grand Forks, MN, MaryAnne Tupa, Grand Forks, ND, and Elvern Vanyo, Tabor, MN; three grandchildren, Brandon Vanyo, and Ben and Andy Swenson. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Tony; and three sisters, Dorothy, Irene, and Monica.

Memorials may be given to the Perry Center, Birthright of FM, or Covenant House, New York.

Visitation: Monday, August 19, 2013, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 11:00 A.M., in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Andrew J. Vanyo, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Cemetery

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery

11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560

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Visitation

Saturday, August 19, 2023

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church - Moorhead

601 15th Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560

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Service

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

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