Ervin “Erv” S. Yanke

Went to the arms of his Lord on November 28, 2017, at age 90. Beloved husband of Maxine (formerly Johnson). Devoted father of William (Carolyn) Yanke, Margaret “Renee” (Edwin)Yanke Field, David (Beth) Yanke, and Eric (Kristin) Johnson. Loving grandfather of Eric (Sarah), Brad (fiancee Kat), and Peter (Lindsey) Yanke; Kellen and Anni Field; Ben, Caleb, and Jonah Yanke; and Janelle, Emma, and Claire Johnson. Great-grandfather of Cole and Jack Yanke. Also loved by other family and friends. Preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy, infant daughter, and sister Beverly Walters.

Erv was a professional educator for 39 years. He spent the majority of his career in the West Allis/West Milwaukee school district. His professional career included classroom teaching, principal roles, and other administrative leadership roles. He is a veteran of the US Marine Corps. Erv was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and also served for 50 years on the board of Lutheran Counseling and Family Services (LCFS).

Erv was an innovator – promoting the use of Apple computers in elementary and middle school classrooms in the early 80’s. He loved working with the middle school aged kids – their energy and inquisitiveness was energizing for him. “Mr. Yanke” made many impacts on students – it was not unusual to meet someone who told how he/she appreciated his influence on their life. He also loved to travel; first taking the family on vacations all around the country during school breaks and later, around the world when he retired, with both Dorothy and Maxine. He enjoyed meeting and learning about people on all his journeys. Blessings to him now, as he makes his final journey – joining his Lord and family and friends who have gone before him.

Visitation at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 7821 West Lincoln Avenue, on Friday, December 8, at 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM. Funeral Service at 3:00 PM. Private burial in Belmont, WI.

Memorials appreciated to LCFS.