Earl Yantzie

Earl R. Yantzie was born September 26, 1923 in Dorchester, NE to Menno E and Anna (Schweitzer) Yantzie. He passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends on June 17, 2014 at the age of 90. Earl lived in Dorchester until the age of five when they moved to Miller, South Dakota where he started school. After a short stay in Miller the family moved to Milford, Ne where he attended school through the eighth grade. In 1939 his family moved to Custer County where he worked with his father on their family farm. On December 24, 1950 Earl and Norma Lee Lorenzen of Sargent, NE were married in Broken Bow NE. Shortly after being married they move to Omaha Ne where he worked for the railroad. Later they moved back to Arnold, NE where he farmed for a number of years. In June 8, 1952 they were blessed with the first of their three children. In 1954 they moved back to Broken Bow, NE where Earl and his brother-in-law John Birnie partnered for 56 years in various jobs, some of which included farming, trucking, owning a feed store, and installing livestock equipment. In 1980 during the farm crunch, Earl went to Montana and New Mexico to build log houses. Earl and John then opened Birnie & Yantzie Upholstery. For over thirty years they worked together, John upholstering and Earl wood finishing and repairing. When things were slow Earl would help out at a local wood shop building various craft items. Earl accepted Christ as a young man, and was a member of the Mennonite Church until its closing, at which time he attended The Church of God where he was a faithful member until his passing. Some of his greatest joys were watching his 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild grow up and attending many of their activities. He is survived by his wife Norma, three children Pat (Tom) Hamilton of Ennis MT, Mike Yantzie and special friend Sheila Peters of Taylor NE, and Cheryl (Mike) Moody of Purdum NE, sister Marian (John) Birnie, sister-in-law Lue Yantzie, sister-in-law Erma Jean (Ken) Kroeger; Grandchildren- Shannon Hamilton, Lacy Wood, Mindy Dorsey, Melissa Wells, Lacy Johnson, Jeff Pflaster, Jared Pflaster, Hollie Moody, and Jack Moody; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 21, 2014 @ 10:00am at The Church of God in Broken Bow with Pastor Doug Saner officiating. A register book may be signed at Govier Bros. Mortuary. Interment will be at the Broken Bow Cemetery with Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to The Church of God in Broken Bow or the Elizabeth House in Kearney, NE.