Obituary of Huan-Tong Yang

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our father Huan-Tong (Harry) Yang, who left us on December 23, 2024 at the age of 94. He left this world peacefully in his home in Oakdale, Minnesota. He was a devoted husband and father, survived by his sons Frank and Tony Yang (Yi-Wen), and grandchildren Michael, Timothy, Torin and Jessica Yang. He is preceded in death by his wife Sarah Chin-Bin Yang, mother Su O Lin Yang and father Ching Yun Yang.

Born on February 21, 1930 in A Lien Village, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Harry graduated from National Cheng Kung University in Electrical Engineering and became a Senior Technician for Taiwan Telecommunication Administration. In March of 1965, he left his family in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States to pursue a Masters degree. He attended Utah State University and attained his Masters of Electrical Engineering in one year. Shortly after graduation, he was hire by General Telephone and Electronics Corporation (now Verizon). In 1967, after securing employment, he brought his family to join him in Villa Park, Illinois. He remained at GTE for the rest of his career until his retirement. In 1987, he was awarded a Patent and a Certificate of Merit for developing a switching system to automate the switch boards for telephone operators.

Harry was an extraordinary man with great persistence and resolve. He had polio at a very young age which stunted the growth of his right leg. Despite having this handicap, he still continued to live and enjoy life to its fullest. He moved to a new country, raised a family and had a very successful Engineering career. After retirement, he and Sarah travel throughout the world visiting many scenic places and parks to enjoy what this earth had to offer.