Obituary of Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Yunk

Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Yunk, a Priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, died on Thursday, July 30, 2020.  He was 89 years of age.

Monsignor Yunk was born in Williamsville and attended SS. Peter and Paul School and the Seminary of St. Joseph and the Little Flower, Buffalo.  He continued his education at Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.  He studied theology at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, where he was ordained a priest in 1957 and named a Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

He served at St. Elizabeth Parish, Cherry Creek, and as Assistant Pastor in St. Mary Parish, Lockport, and St. Mary of Sorrow Parish, Buffalo.  In 1966 he entered active duty as a Chaplain in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the United States.  He retired from the Army in 1997 with the rank of Colonel. 

After Monsignor Yunk retired from the Army, he served as Pastor of St. Mary Church, Lockport.  As a retired priest, he served as Weekend Associate at St. Leo the Great Parish, Amherst, for 17 years. 

He was remarkable in his kindness and generosity.  He supported many Catholic institutions, including the Franciscan Sisters of the Neumann Community, the Brothers of Mercy, and his parish family at St. Leo the Great Church.

His parents, Martin and Dorothy (Smith) Yunk and his sister, Grace Bickel, predeceased him.  He is survived by several cousins.

Monsignor’s body will lie in state at St. Leo the Great Church, 885 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, on Monday, August 3 from 4-7 p.m, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4th, at 9:15 am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Leo the Great Renovation Fund.

Live streamed:  stleothegreatamherst.com.