Ronald J. Yanke

Ronald J. Yanke, 88, of Davenport, Iowa, died Sunday April 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Keeping with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorial services will be 4:00 PM Tuesday April 20, 2021 in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Rev. Gary Blake officiating.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Webster Park.  Visitation will be in the funeral home from 2:00 PM until time of services on Tuesday.

Ronald Joseph Yanke was born in Chicago on October 20, 1932, a son of Herman “Spike” and Angela Yanke.  He proudly served our county in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, teaching Meteorology.

Ron married Lucille Vitale and later was united in marriage to Mary Ann Rochnowski.  Ron owned and operated several businesses in Peru and Ottumwa, Iowa, including Vitale’s Donut Shop, Pioneer Pancake House, Star Union Inn, LaGrotto’s, Red Door Inn and Papa Pizza.  He served as the deli manager for 18 years at Hy-Vee.  He retired as a realtor for Mel Foster Co. in 1997.

Ron’s personality was larger than life and he enjoyed teasing friends and family.  He also enjoyed golf, Jeopardy, cribbage, crossword puzzles, and traveling, especially cruises and trips to his son Ron’s home in Florida.

Ron is survived by his wife Mary Ann of Davenport; children, Debra (Todd) Burrows of Princeton, Ronald Yanke of Peru, Merry Noonan of Peru, Laurie (Timothy) Ulrich of Utica, Tammy (John) Swift of Kingston, MA. And Richard Claiborne of Davenport, IA; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, a sister Mary Lawler and his first wife Lucille Yanke of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Betty Barker.

Memorials may be made to Veterans Administration by visiting https://www.iowacity.va.gov/giving/.

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