Automotive Research, said Yokich accomplished two major tasks during his three terms as president of the UAW: First, he improved the union's relationship with General Motors and allowed Chrysler to downsize (helping to save the company). Second, he lengthened the union's contracts with the Big Three automakers to four years from three. The Detroit Free Press cited his push to organize workers in casinos, health care, higher education, and other groups outside the automotive industry as his greatest accomplishment. Death Yokich began suffering from coronary artery disease in the last few years of his life. Yokich suffered a stroke at his home in Detroit on Thursday, August 15, 2002. He was admitted to St. John Hospital, and died at 9:45 A.M. the following day. He married the former Tekla Baumgartner. The couple had a son and daughter, and lived in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. His mother, wife, and children survived him. Memberships and awards Yokich was a lifelong Democrat, a member of the NAACP and a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. He was a member of the steering committee of the Economic Alliance for Michigan, a trustee of the Michigan Cancer Foundation and a board member of the Father Clement Kern Foundation. He founded the Community Caring Program in 1993. He received the Arab American of the Year Award from the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in 1995 and was the co-recipient of the Chairman's Award for Vehicle Quality Improvement from J.D. Power and Associates in 1998. References Bibliography Bennet, James. "U.A.W., Ranks Thinning, Elects a Fighter as President." New York Times. June 15, 1995. "Biographical Information on Retired President Stephen Yokich." Associated Press. August 16, 2002. Evanoff, Ted. "UAW Head Uses Low-Key Strategy As Talks Near." Detroit Free Press. August 27, 1999. Franklin, Stephen. "Stephen P. Yokich, 66; Fierce Negotiator Led UAW." Chicago Tribune. August 17, 2002. Gallagher, John. "'Good and Honorable Man' Felled By Stroke." Detroit Free Press. August 17, 2002. Garsten, Ed. "Outgoing Union Leader Leaves Legacy of Protecting Workers' Rights But Failing to Organize Transplants." Associated Press. May 28, 2002. Konrad, Rachel. "An Evening of Mutual Admiration Leaders of Ford, UAW Cordial At Banquet." Detroit Free Press. December 3, 1998. Nauss, Donald W. "Rough Rider." Los Angeles Times. June 11, 1995. Ryan, Richard A. "Dems May Benefit From UAW Contract." Detroit News. September 24, 2000. Who's Who in America. 56th