Lawrence A. Yunke

How does a story start? Where does it end? What’s everything in the middle and what does it mean?

Well, for Larry it started on June 13th, 1949 to Lawrence and Helen (Raudenze). He was a son; a brother to Ron and the late Kenneth Yunke. When tragedy struck with his parents falling ill, he devoted his life to making sure they spent the rest of their days happy and comfortable. One could say caretaking and comfort were his specialty, for when the love of his life Jean (Steinberger) became unwell, he cared for her until her passing in 2020.

In his spare time, Larry enjoyed fishing. He would be the first to tell you the smallest ones required the most talent and were the best for eating. In his younger years (horse and buggy days as he’d say), he was an avid hunter and respected all wildlife.

Larry was a man of great strength (possibly some stubbornness). He carried the love of God within his heart and touched many lives in his lifetime. From playing cards with his friends and making jokes about mac and cheese, to telling stories down by the river. He left his mark wherever he went.

In his later years, he found it in himself to adopt his daughter, Virginia, and her husband and daughters. He was the greatest father she could have ever asked for. He enjoyed spoiling his granddaughters Aurora and Sophia. Whenever the phone rang, they would be ready to “talk to grandpa”.

There is a tremendous void in everyone’s life that knew and loved Larry. 

He is survived by his brother Ron (Gail) Yunke; cousin Bruce; many friends including Lenny Van Der Wegen, Rod and Debbie Lange, Beth (John) Courtney, his “second family” the Parkers; his daughter Virginia (Adam); and granddaughters Aurora and Sophia.

Gone too soon, but as Pa would say, “God’s got the plan.”

Larry’s daughter would like to give her heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bellin and Grancare Nursing Center for their care in his last few months. May God bless each and every one of you with the same love and compassion as you showed my father during his stay.

So where does this story end? Well, it doesn’t really. Larry’s memory and love will continue on in the laughter of his friends… the smiles of his granddaughters. And sometimes, if you look hard enough, you’ll see that old man down by the river casting his line, ready to tell you a story.

A private family service will be held for Larry in the spring.

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