[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 51 (Thursday, March 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         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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