Emery 'Jim' Yanko

Emery "Jim" Alex Yanko, 90, passed away on Feb. 19, 2013 at his home. He was born on March 18, 1922 in South Bend, Indiana to Emery Philip and Agnes (Drosda) Yanko. He was married for almost 61 years to Virginia Ruth Brownsing, who he married on Dec. 29, 1945 just four months after their meeting. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his brother David Yanko Porter of Butler, Pennsylvania. Survivors include eight children: Cheri (Jerry) Elliott of Danville; Vickie Jones of Muskego, WI; Gregory Yanko of Austin, TX; James (Kathy) Yanko of Centerville, OH; Patrick Yanko of Hillsborough, NC; Karen Yanko of Colorado Springs, CO; Kathy Boddy of Colorado Springs, CO; and Michelle "Shay" Anspach of Oakwood. Survivors also include 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one more on the way, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Longtime family friend, Mary Sue Lucas, also survives him. As a young adult, he worked for two years in CCC camps in various states. Emery volunteered for service in the Army Air Corp in June, 1942. He served his country with the 100th Airborne Troop carriers in the European campaigns until Sept. 1945. After the war he was employed at the Studebaker plant in South Bend, IN working there for 10 years until it closed in 1955. For the next 30 years, he continued his career as a model maker for General Electric in Danville until retiring in 1984. He was blessed to have a job he enjoyed and made many life-long friends there. Emery was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans of Danville. He was an avid reader, especially of western novels with his favorite being Louis L'Amour books. Emery took pride in his home and was the perpetual handyman. He played golf, bowled in a league, and enjoyed watching Nascar and college sports. He spent many happy hours supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and school activities. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather. Emery will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Emery's life will be at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center; 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11 AM. Father Dennis O'Riley will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park where military honors will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church 444 E. Main St. Danville, IL 61832 or to the American Legion Post #210 at 201 W. Prospect Place Danville, IL 61832. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.