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IN RECOGNITION OF ERNIE ROBERT YANKE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. SCOTT FITZGERALD
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Mr. FITZGERALD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ernie Robert Yanke of Pewaukee, Wisconsin to celebrate his 100th Birthday. Mr. Yanke has lived a profoundly honorable life and lives up to the title of the Greatest Generation. His life's work deserves recognition and reflection as we mark this important milestone.
Mr. Yanke is a World War II veteran, father, husband, and beloved friend to many. He is best known for is tolerance, compassion, and optimism, although life was not always easy for him. Growing up, Mr. Yanke had very little; he was born to German immigrants in New Britain, Connecticut and moved from one crowded dwelling to another and often stood in long food lines for government issued cheese. Mr. Yanke often felt he escaped accidental death through sheer luck, but he credits the Army with saving his life.
During his time serving in the Army, Mr. Yanke led a decorated military career, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. He was part of the 76th Division in Patton's Third Army and was involved in the battle to rescue the besieged U.S. forces in the Battle of the Bulge. He recalls his hands freezing to the handle of a machine gun he manned atop a truck, firing all night to stave off the enemy. He was among the first troops to enter a concentration camp to provide relief to those held there.
While in the Army, Mr. Yanke first met his wife Eileen Quillin at a USO dance. The minute he saw her, he told her he was coming back after the war to marry her. He did exactly that. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Yanke raised a wonderful family of four children in Wisconsin.
Following his retirement, Mr. Yanke and Eileen spent the 25 years in Port Charlotte, FL, and traveled all over the world. Today, he has two daughters, four adult grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews as well as friends of all ages who he considers family.
As he celebrates his 100th birthday, Mr. Yanke is still a picture of health and demonstrating the core traits the Army taught him. Every day, you can find him doing his daily'' 1,000 reps'' with his 1.51b weights. I join Mr. Yanke's family in celebrating the 100th birthday of this remarkable man.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 51
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