George August Yanke

George August Yanke, age 97, of rural Smiths Mill died Sunday morning, January 29, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Mankato.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 2 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Smiths Mill. Interment will be in Woodville Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials Preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Smiths Mill.
Arrangements are with Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services ~ Arnoldt Chapel of Janesville. www.janesvillefuneral.com
George A. Yanke was born on May 26, 1919 in McPherson Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, to August and Minnie Yanke. He attended Blue Earth County Country School #158. George was a life long member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Smiths Mill. He continued his familys farm until 1965 when he took a position with Minnesota State University Mankato and worked there until retiring in 1986.
George was the local historian. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone. George was an active conservationist who loved nature. He was blessed with good health throughout his life and was able to live at home until his last week. He was loved and will be missed greatly.
George is survived by his companion for the past 18 years, Mary Flitter, and her children; cousins and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents: August and Minnie Yanke, and his sister Ellen Ruth.