Stephen Anthony Yagilnicky, 63, of Hines, Minnesota died on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Evangelical Free Church in Blackduck, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Leidy's Church in Souderton, Pennsylvania. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 at the church. Interment will be in the Immanuel Leidy’s Church Cemetery following the service. Anders Detweiler Funeral Home of Souderton, PA is handling arrangements in Pennsylvania. 

Steve was born in Erickson, Manitoba. He attended school in Elphinstone, and high school in Rossburn, Manitoba. After graduating from high school he lived and worked at CN/VIA railroad in Winnipeg until transferring to British Columbia. This led him to the start of his mission work, and meeting Irina. They married on November 13, 2004 in Souderton, PA.

Stephen, a beloved husband, father, and friend went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 22, 2025. He was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, a joyful presence who brought light to everyone around him. Steve’s life was a testimony of his unwavering faith in God and his deep love for others. A true and faithful servant of Christ, he lived out his calling by dedicating himself to helping those in need. His ministry through Love Cradle Mission left an indelible impact on countless lives, especially Ukrainian orphan children and the families who embraced them. Steve’s compassion and kindness were evident in all that he did, and his legacy of love will continue to inspire us.

Steve was a man with a loving heart and a source of joy and inspiration. He was a thoughtful and caring man for his family, friends, and ministry. Steve’s smile and warmth of his spirit will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He was not only a servant of the Lord, but also a devoted family man who loved his wife and children dearly. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of faith, love, and service. His dedication to Christ and his selflessness touched everyone who knew him, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. We are so thankful for the years of life we shared with Steve. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of his Heavenly Father.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Irina; his children, Aleks, age 13, Maikl, age 11, and Elein, age 10 1/2; his siblings, Mavis Yakiwchuk, Karen (Roger) Morden, Sandy Fehr; 9 nieces and nephews; and 3 grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Michael Yagilnicky; a brother, Paul Yagilnicky; and brother-in-laws, Rick Yakiwchuk and Brian Fehr.