Fr. Kenneth E. Yarno, CSV, entered the Viatorian Community in 1950 after graduating from St. Patrick High School in Kankakee, IL where Viatorians were his teachers.  After his studies at the Viatorian Seminary, he was ordained a priest on May 17, 1959.  He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and his M.S. in Industrial Arts from Bradley University.  He completed work for a certificate in educational administration at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, which led to a long career as an administrator.

From 1960-1968 he was assigned as Director of Vocations for the Viatorian Community. During his years as Director of Vocations, he served for two years as Chairman of the National Association of Religious Vocation Directors.

Fr. Yarno ministered as teacher and assistant principal at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights from 1968 to 1973.  He became principal of Bishop McNamara High School, a school that evolved from the high school he had attended in Kankakee.

In 1983 he was installed as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kankakee.  From 1985 to 1987, Fr. Yarno served as pastor at St. Viator Church in Chicago.  During the years 1987 to 1994 he was associate pastor and then pastor at St. Joseph Church in Springfield, IL.  From 1994 until his retirement in 2000 he was pastor and later sacramental minister at St. George Parish in St. George, IL.

Those who know him well, know that he has never been idle.  For years, his main hobby was woodworking.  His workshop was his haven and his prize. While he never taught industrial arts, he used his talents and his art in his own workshops. He created many examples of fine carpentry and cabinet making.  His gift for attention to detail and great patience were necessary to produce beautiful furniture and grandfather clocks.