Leonard Yonke, 93, died Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, January 17, 2011 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Wes Langaas officiating. Burial will follow at Community Cemetery, St. Hilaire, MN.

Visitation will be 2-5 PM, Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with a 4 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Monday.

Leonard August Yonke was born in Crookston on 11-27-1917 to William and Louise (Lubitz) Yonke. He was baptized in 1919 at 1 ½ years old at the German Lutheran church in Wylie, MN. Confirmed in the Norwegian Lutheran Church at St. Hilaire, MN. He went to the Daisy Dale School in Sanders Township (w of St. Hilaire) and finished school through the eighth grade in the St. Hilaire area.

In his late teens, Leonard along with his brother, Gerald left home in search of work on the west coast. Leonard worked in vineyards, orchards, fishing and logging. They worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps Forestry as a Carpenter in Walla Walla, Washington in 1937. He also worked one year for P.B. Wickhnam in a gold mine at Grave Creek in Ashland, Oregon. Then was home on the farm for 1 ½ years, before returning back west to electric hydraulic school in Los Angles then on to Medford, Oregon where he worked in a sawmill for about 5 months. While visiting relatives in Portland, Oregon, he was drafted into the Army on 5-19-42 and was sent to Oakland, CA.

He served with the anti-aircraft artillery for over 2 years on Treasure Island near San Francisco. Then on to England in the 30th armored division, with Pattons army in the European Allied Theater, Invasion of Normandy Beach. Later served in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Rhineland Ardennes Forest and Central Europe. He received the Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Bronze Star, Bronze Arrowhead, Combat Infantry Badge, 30 Infantry Service Insignia, overseas service Bars and more. He served 3 years and 5 months altogether and received an honorable discharge from Camp McCoy in Wisconsin on June 11, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant of Company A, in the 119th Infantry. Upon returning home, he worked with his brother Gerald tending mink and other farm operations at old homestead.

He bought a farm in 1947 north of Thief River Falls in Excel Township on which he developed a dairy and small grain operation. At a dance in Plummer, MN Leonard met his future wife, Shirley (Hanson) Yonke and on March 17, 1949 they were married. Together they built a grade A dairy operation along with their 3 sons and daughter which they operated until retirement. He served on dairy and agricultural boards and received various agriculture related awards while participating in fair and winter show events.

Due to his deep faith in God, Leonard, along with Shirley, was proud to be one of the original founders of the Abundant Life Lutheran church. He continued his service to the church as an usher and choir member while being instrumental in starting the stained glass adornment project in the church.

Hobbies and interests include fishing, hunting, playing cards, playing outdoor games, telling stories and visiting with friends and family. A passion of his was dancing, especially with the love of his life, Shirley. Personal interests included building fun gadgets, gardening, smoking fish and meats, and taking walks.

Survivors include Shirley Yonke(Wife), Mavis Gordan (Sister); Children, Chester (Marla), Lennae (Jim) Kosmatka, Marvin (Carol),
David (Denise), Grandchildren, Jason (Kari), Scott (Brenda), Steve, Brian (Erica),
April (Marc) Quillen, Sheri (Martin) Steidl, Josh , Lucas, Desirae, Danielle, Great-Grand children, Madison, Carter, Zachary, Evelyn, Jada, Paige, Avery, Archer, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his Parents: William & Louise Yonke; Brothers & Sisters: Gerald Yonke, Verona Linstad, Lavida Konok, Willard Yonke, Lorraine Yonke.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Eunice Grothe
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Rock Of Ages , What A Friend We Have In Jesus , Amazing Grace , In The Garden
PALLBEARERS: Richard Yonke, Richard Jorde, William Yonke, Charles Carlson, Lyle Swanson, Terry Rewertz
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All of Leonards Grandchildren & Great grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793