Ltc. Frederick William Yanker

Frederick W. Yanker, a dedicated Christian; an enthusiastic, committed US Army Officer; and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-, and great-grandfather, followed Jesus to his heavenly home on 23 August 2021. He was born in Johnstown, PA, on 11 March 1921, to Rudolf Yanker and Clara Taganowski. Fred chose his beloved high-school sweetheart, Marian May, to join him in marriage on 7 September 1946. The marriage occurred in Las Cruces, NM, and Fred and Marian began their lives as a US Army "couple." The next 30 years brought a grand tour of the U.S., Europe (during the Cold War), Latin America (during many coups d'tat), as well as several "hardship separations," while Fred served in two wars and Marian held down the family home and three kids. Fred spent most of his career in the Ordnance Corp, handling and transporting missiles-from the German V-2 to many of the later, more modern missiles and armaments. After a final tour at Fort Bliss, Fred and Marian finally returned to the Las Cruces desert where retirement opened many other areas of opportunity. After retirement, Fred and Marian coordinated with state and local officials, as well as local residents, to form the South Valley Volunteer Fire Department, scrounging fire trucks and other vehicles from excessed military sources. They each attended various training sessions (fire-fighter, EMT, first-responder, arson investigation) and, more importantly, went on to form a "crew" of men and women from the valley to support the department-answering calls, raising funds, and training. The Yankers were also avid horseback riders and participated in several local riding clubs. Fred was a first-rate hunter-spending every hunting season in the mountains and woods, bringing home deer, elk, antelope, bear, Oryx --- that Marian would find ways to cook. Fred loved the outdoors-always finding wood to saw or picnics on which to take the family. Fred and Marian, as well as Fred's sister (and Marian's best friend), Dorothy Gazza, would travel across the southwest enjoying the beautiful parks, and other attractions. Fred was active in the First Presbyterian Church's missions and events, serving as deacon and elder at various points in his life. He was a Mason, a Sojourner, and member of many other organizations. Fred was predeceased by his parents, several aunts and uncles, his wife (Marian), his sister (Dorothy Gazza), and his grandson (Tj). Fred is survived by his children: Jim {(wife, Brenda); sons, Jacob (wife, Baylee), and Travis}, Carol {children: Sara, Daniel (wife, Danielle), and Melissa}, and Linda (Tom) Zornes, son, Fred (wife Orin), as well as Niece, Darcy (Richard) Jones; and Nephew, Joseph (Irene) Gazza}. Also worthy of mention are the many other nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. On Tuesday, 7 September 2021, there will be a viewing from 5-7p.m. (1700-1900). On Wednesday, 8 September 2021, at 10:30 a.m. (1030) there will be a grave-side service, with full Military Honors, at the Masonic Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. (1130), officiated by Reverend Norm Story at the First Presbyterian Church on Boutz Rd (Las Cruces, NM). We rejoice that Fred and Marian are once again together and their spirits are running free in God's heaven.