Gloria Jeanette Yanda, age 94, of Manitowoc, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021 at her home.
Gloria was born to Frank and Rose (Honzik) Kunz on December 6, 1926 in the Town of Gibson, Manitowoc County. She attended Mishicot High School, graduating with the Class of 1944. She was married to Calvin E. Yanda on October 14, 1944 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot by the Rev. Joseph VanBogart. Calvin preceded her in death on April 23, 2016. Gloria and Calvin farmed in the Town of Gibson for 16 years. In 1961, they moved to Manitowoc and purchased the Carl Ames Chrysler auto dealership, and it became known as Yanda Motors, Inc.
Gloria was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the St. Clare Alter Society. She was also a life-time member of the Mishicot High School Alumni Association.
Gloria enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and experienced many wonderful times with Cal and their friends. They traveled to 49 states in their motor home during their 71 years of marriage. She also liked to play Bingo with her friends. However, as much as she enjoyed these things, the main joy in her life was her family. She loved her girls and did everything possible to enrich their families lives. She marveled at her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was so proud of all their accomplishments and the persons they have become.
Gloria also had an extended family that consisted of friends of the furry type. Gloria loved to spoil her grand dogs and cats. She loved visits from the family dogs and she always made sure that she had plenty of their favorite treats on hand for them. She was also the main culprit when it came to sneaking table scraps to her pets. Her backyard buddies were always among the plumpest birds and squirrels in the neighborhood.
Survivors include her two daughters: Cheryl Hanson of Manitowoc and Sharon and Michael Van Ells of Green Bay; two grandchildren: Dave and Kathy Hanson of Cottage Grove, WI, and Eric and Becky Hanson of Allenton, WI; two great-grandchildren: Garrett and Paige Hanson of Cottage Grove, WI. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Rose Kunz; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ernest and Lillian Yanda; two brothers: Clarence and Ervin Kunz; one sister: Esther Kirchen: one son-in-law: Reid L. Hanson; four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, a memoriam has been established in her name.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Jason Blahnik. Gloria will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mishicot.
The family will greet relatives and friends Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 11:30 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. at the church. Due to the current health pandemic, social distancing and face coverings must be worn while inside church.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to extend appreciation for the compassionate care given to Mom by her caregivers, especially Alex, Paulette, Kat, Donna and Adara from Home Instead, and the hospice nurses Nicki, Courtney, Danielle, Lindsey and Sheila, along with the Aides from Manitowoc Home and Hospice, including Chaplin Phyllis and Shelly. The family also thanks Mike Shallue for being such a good neighbor and keeping Mom’s yard and home so well taken care of. You all helped keep Mom comfortable and in good spirits.
Mom lived a simple, but fulfilling life…
