James H. Yanke, 97, Oconomowoc, died Feb. 25, 2014, at his home.
He was born in Solon Mills, Ill., on Nov. 19, 1916, to the late Oscar and Esther (Anderson) Yanke. He spent his early life in Wisconsin. Following his high school graduation he attended UW–Madison where he obtained a degree in dairy science.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Because he was a veteran, one of his major honors and thrills was being a part of the Honor Flight on Sept. 15, 2012, out of Milwaukee.
On Oct. 30, 1945, in Vancouver, Wash., he married Evelyn Oliphant. Following marriage they made their home in Wilmot before moving to Burlington. She preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2009. He had lived in Oconomowoc for the past six years.
He was a dairy farmer and was a former member of Community Baptist Church, Silver Lake. He loved tinkering in the garage, traveling and writing. He enjoyed visiting and helping at the New Tribe Mission Retirement home in Sanford, Fla., where he was known as the ice cream man.
Survivors include his children, Charles (Sandy) Yanke, Bruce (Anna) Yanke, Bethany Yanke; grandchildren, Scott (Brooke) Yanke, Paul (Ashley) Yanke and Andrew “AJ” Yanke.
Memorials to Vitas Hospice in Oconomowoc or to the charity of your choice are suggested.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wilkinson Woods, Vitas Hospice and Fr. Mike Messina for all their support and care of James.
A memorial service is Saturday, May 3, 2014, at 11 a.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 S. Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m., at the funeral home.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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