Donald “Don” A. Yankee, age 95 of Clintonville passed away Friday, January 1, 2021 at Aster Assisted Living in Clintonville.
Donald Alvin Yankee was born on September 6, 1925 in Clintonville as the son of the late Alvin and Jeanette (Winegarden) Yankee. He graduated from Clintonville High School and then went on to Northland College in Ashland. Don served his country in the United States Army where he was stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. He returned to Clintonville and was united in marriage to Evelyn Evenson in Manitowoc on April 19, 1949. The couple resided in Clintonville where Don worked for Tripod Chevrolet and then Klein Chevrolet as a Parts Manager. Evelyn preceded her husband in death on Christmas Day in 1992. Don continued living alone in Clintonville but remained very active in the community. He was a member of the American Legion Post #63 in Clintonville for many years. Don was also an avid golfer who at times even played by his own rules. He was a member and regular at Riverside Golf Course in Clintonville and Glen Carin Golf Course near Big Falls. Don was a faithful member of Christus Lutheran Church where he served on various committees and as the Vice President of the congregation. He also served on the Graceland Cemetery Board for many years. Don was a loving and gentle man who enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. He loved being around family and often embraced the role of caregiver for family members and friends in the community.
Survivors include: his sons, Rex (Marcine) Yankee, DeForest and Michael (Mary) Yankee, Greenville; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Anish) Kadakia, Emily (John) Perez, Benjamin (Shondra) Yankee, and Tyler (Kayla) Yankee; great-grandchildren, Finley and Hendrik Yankee; brother, Stephen (Shelby) Yankee; also a sister-in-law, Sandra Yankee. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn, and brothers, William, Wayne, and Kurtis (Elaine) Yankee.
Don’s funeral service will be held privately at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established by his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
Don’s family would like to thank Mary Beilfuss and the staff at Aster Assisted Living in Clintonville for the wonderful care Don received as a resident and for all of their help and kindness shown to his family. You all were wonderful.