Bernice M. Yanke

Bernice M. Yanke, 91, of Shawano, passed away at home on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Bernice was born Feb. 27, 1931, to the late Christian and Minnie (Tuschy) Zaddack. She was baptized on March 29, 1931, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes, and she was confirmed on May 14, 1944. Bernice married Irwin Yanke on July 8, 1950, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. The couple spent most of their married life farming in Hayes, Gillett and Underhill. Bernice enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. She loved bowling, dancing to her husband’s music and playing cards. Her biggest joy was her children and grandchildren. Bernice was a member of Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett. In her younger years, Bernice did janitorial work in church, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. Bernice is survived by her three children, James (Coleen) Yanke, Douglas (Annette) Yanke and Beverly (Lee) Gerndt; two sisters, Dorothy Hansen and Ellie Yellick; a brother, Le Roy (Shirley) Zaddack; 10 grandchildren, Keith (Brittney) Yanke, Erin (Matt) Schmitz, Sarah (Jonathan) Christensen, Daniel (Rachel) Yanke, Mark Yanke, Rob Slavens, Jason and Jed Giese, Abby (Clint) Gardebrecht, Kassie (Josh) Banie; 19 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irwin, on Sept. 21, 2005; daughter, Cindy Giese on June 25, 2008; a sister, Ruth; two brothers, Clarence and Vernon. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett from 9 a.m. until the memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Bernice will be interred at Mount Olive Lutheran Cemetery beside Irwin. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.