Richard J. Yanke

Richard (Dick) John Yanke, 80, of Sparta, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, in his home.  He was born January 14, 1945 to Frederick Yanke and Olga (Schroeder) Yanke in Sparta, WI. Richard lived his entire life In Sparta, WI.

At the age of 17 years old, he met the love of his life, Linda Carlone. Dick and Linda were united in marriage on June 12, 1965. To this union they had 2 wonderful daughters, Dawn and Heidi.

Richard was a High School graduate of the class of 1963.  After, Richard received his degree from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute as a Tool and Die Maker. Richard began his career in the tool and die industry by taking a job with Southside Machine (a branch of Northern Engraving). There he completed his 5 year apprenticeship.  At the age of 24, Dick taught a welding class at Sparta Senior High School. This was something Dick was very proud to say he did.

One of Richard’s accomplished moments was when he became Sparta’s fourth Ward Alderman from 1981 to 1983, and was a key player in making important decisions on the city council. One other accomplishment for him was starting his own business “The Yanke Company”, Sparta Brush being one of his best customers.

In 1985, Dick became the president of the Bass Masters Club. In 1995, Dick and a group of 3, represented the Bass Club at a fishing tournament called The Four Man Classic on Lake Michigan.  The 4 were very successful in achieving 1st place in this tournament.

Dick’s most precious joy was his family and his friends. Dick was so proud and loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally.  He was a person that was always kind and would help anyone in need. If you ever met Dick, (“Hi my name is Dick Yanke and I’m fun to be with”), you would instantly become friends. 

Dick was survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Dawn (Scott) Rickert and Heidi (Tim) Bogenschneider; his pride and joy – grandchildren, Brittani (John) Nevin, Brandon (Jennifer) Rickert, and Lisa (Andrew) Karll; great grandchildren, Everett Nevin, Leelynd Rickert, Owen Nevin, Baby Karll; and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Olga Yanke; in laws, Ray and Bev Carlone; sisters, Lorraine (Pidge) Reukauf and Irma Kemp; brother in laws, John Reukauf, Chuck Kemp, Larry Carlone, and William (Bill) Bohn; sister-in-law, Judy Bohn; and many other special people that meant to world to Dick. 

Richard’s family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to SACS, Emplify Hospice and healthcare, with special thanks to Dr. Oettel and his team.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta.

The visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at WISCO 8 following the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

If you are unable to attend the services, it will be streamed on Facebook Live.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard J. Yanke, please visit our floral store.