William "Bill" R. Yahnke

     William “Bill” R. Yahnke, 89, of Little Falls, WI, died Friday, April 16, 2021 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse. He was born on December 18, 1931, to August and Alma (Grossman) Yahnke in Little Falls, WI.

     He was born and raised on the family farm. He farmed most of his life, retiring in 1999. The land that Faith Lutheran Church sits on was given to the church by Bill and his family. He was baptized January 10, 1932 and was confirmed on June 10, 1945 at Peace Lutheran. He also served as treasurer at Peace Lutheran Church for 15 years.

     Bill married Karen Christopherson on October 9, 1965 at St. Paul’s Parsonage in Cataract. They enjoyed traveling when he retired. He loved his John Deere equipment. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

     Bill is survived by his wife, Karen Yahnke of Cataract; daughter, Karla Yahnke of Sparta; grandchildren, Lindsy and Josh Wagner of La Crosse, Jason Weisensel of Rio, WI, Krystal (Dave) Beedle of New Market, MN, Kyle Yanhke of Beaver Dam; sisters, Marie Livingood of Watertown, WI, Norma Jean Reid of Sparta; 3 step children and many relatives and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Alma Yahnke; son, Keith Yahnke; brothers, Kenny and Gibby Yahnke; sisters, Eloise Roberts, Arlene Jessie, Doris Schober, and Eleanor Greeno.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church, Little Falls, with Reverend Joel Neumann officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the church. 

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill" R. Yahnke, please visit our floral store.