Ronald George Yanker
Born January 28, 1940, St. Louis, Missouri
Ron Yanker passed peacefully at home with loved ones at his side on August 16, 2022. His devoted wife and love of his life, Sandra (nee Goltz) was with him then and always, for nearly 58 years.
Ron was born on January 28, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri to Henry and Margaret Yanker (nee Claes) and always adored his older brother Henry “Bud” Yanker.
An avid golfer and music buff, Ron was well known for his unique and never-ending sense of humor and never knew a stranger.
Ron was a proud veteran of the US National Guard and Army Reserves. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a commercial artist first with McDonnel Aircraft and then for many years with Maritz Motivation company.
Overall and more than anything, Ron was a devoted and affectionate husband and incredible father who would do anything for his friends and family.
His sudden passing from Alzheimer’s, along with complications from covid, left his loved ones and friends in a way that Ron, until very recently, never was – at a loss for words.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret, his brother, Bud, and very recently and far too soon, his beloved grandson Max.
He will be greatly and forever missed by the love of his life, Sandra; his daughters and sons-in-law Connie and Jackson Vivrett, Dina and Michael Right and Krista and Mark Barmann; grandchildren Lucille and husband Samuel Phillips, Mickey, Maxwell, Oliver, Romy, Jasmine, Louis, Wylie and Brogan; numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws, friends and his faithful companion, Boomer.
Visitation at Kutis South County, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Saturday, September 10, 1pm until memorial service at 3pm.
The family kindly requests no flowers. Food and drink to follow at a nearby location TBD. All welcome.
Ron was a great friend and boss. Knew his for 60 years, since McDonnal Aircraft.
Ron always made me laugh. I loved sharing jokes with him.
My condolences to Sandy and his daughters.
Ron was everyone’s friend. All through my 28 years at Maritz, he was one of the very things that made me look forward to going to work every day…He kept me smiling and laughing every single day. I regret not keeping in touch with he and Sandy after we all left the company. He was so very special and I will never forget him. Rest In Peace my friend.
So Sorry to hear the passing of Ron I have known Ron and family for many years he was a great guy and a great sense of humor he was a very talented guy. Condolences to Sandy and the Family May He Rest in Peace in God’s Heavenly Home
I knew Ron when I worked in one of the Creative Depts. at Maritz. RIP.
Sue (Pritts) McCarthy
Ron was a terrific athlete, artist, musician and teammate at Cleveland High. He was the star center on our City Basketball Championship team in 1958 and student manager for our State Baseball Championship team a few months later. It was an honor to know him and count him as a friend and teammate.
My condolences to his wife Sandy, her daughters and grandchildren.
Ron was an all around great guy! His sense of humor brightened many days for those of us who had the pleasure of working with him at Maritz.
Rest in Heaven, Ron.
Ron was an all around great guy! His sense of humor brightened many days for those of us who had the pleasure of working with him at Maritz.
Rest in Heaven, Ron.
So sorry for your loss. Spent a great deal of my childhood growing up in Ron and Sandy’s house and will always have fond memories of him. I can never forget him chanting “greasy, grimy gopher guts Yum yum yum” as we waited for dinner to be served at the family dinner table! Know he is forever your guardian Angel! Love you Ron!! Peace to your family as they mourn your incredible loss!
Ron was a great neighbor and helped us out many times. We missed his lively conversation when he and Sandy moved away.
Richard Reim 8/20/2022
I graduated with Ron from Cleveland High in 1958 and always enjoyed being around him. I would see him around the south county neighborhood and sat with him at many of our high school reunions. He was always great to talk to and funny to be around. My condolences to Sandy and the children. Rest In Peace Ron.
What can you say about a man who’s been a positive force in your life for 65 years? Someone who influenced you like a second father during your formative years? Uncle Ron could light up a room and have everyone laughing all night long. He taught me so many things…the right way (or his way!) to get things done and laugh while doing it. Uncle Ron was a man who showed his love and care for you through his actions, and those of us lucky to be in his life saw and felt that. I loved him and will greatly miss him.
Uncle Ron welcomed me into the family from the moment I met Kevin, and always made me feel loved and supported. I loved his silliness and story-telling ability; it was always a good time with he and Aunt Sandy. He left a mark on so many of us and we will miss him.
I just found out about Ron. Ron was one of the greatest guys I have ever met! He was so much fun to be around and loved life and his family more than anything. I can only imagine how much trouble he and Rodger are getting into now!
My sincere condolences to Sandy and all the family. May you find peace as you remember all the wonderful times you shared.
We will never forget him. ❤️
Sandy, I have missed you and Ron through the years when involved in AO events. Ron was always supportive and fun loving. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God bless you.
Friends since grade school. Groomsman for our wedding. Judy and I are really sorry to hear this. Sandy, I am writing my autobiography and will send you 2-3 anecdotes about Ron.
A true friend. Ron brought a joy of life to all who knew him. We shared the same home room for four years at Cleveland HS. A greeting from Ron was the best way to start the school day. Although we met again only at 10-year reunions the joy was still there at the 60th. That is the memory I will keep.
What a neat guy!!!! A great trumpet player and a tall fellow who Earl Jansen made into a great basketball player!!!!Fran and Janet Kadlec. Our sincerest sympathies…
I am deeply sorry for your loss Dina and family, there are no words of comfort, so I offer you my prayers for peace in the coming days.
So very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My sincere condolences to you Sandy and your entire family.
He was a highlight in Maritz memor ies of the past. Condolences to Sandy and the family.
My sincere condolences to Sandy, Connie and family, Dina and family, Krista and family and all Ron’s family and friends. All are in my prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Stacy (Laaker) Nigg
What a nice man who knew everyone. Also a great neighbor. I will always remember Ron & Sandy sitting on the patio having cocktails and enjoying their music collection.
Our deepest sympathies to you Sandy and your Family.
What great memories…I worked with Ron in Detroit Creative at Maritz. I will always remember his rousing chorus of “I Am The Company Bully,” his table tennis sound effects, how he wore his Mickey Mouse ears with his white gloves while creating artwork…what a guy! As a Christian, I’m looking forward to seeing him in eternity.