Calvin E. Yanda, age 91, of Manitowoc, died Saturday morning, April 23, 2016 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc, where he had resided for the past eleven days.

Calvin was born to Ernest and Lillian (Zipperer) Yanda on July 12, 1924 in Manitowoc. He attended Mishicot High School and the Marinette School for Welding. He then became employed at The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company and worked on the World War II submarine program as a welder.

On October 14, 1944, he married the former Gloria Kunz, celebrating 71 years of marriage. They farmed in the Town of Gibson for 16 years. In 1961, they moved to Manitowoc and purchased the Ames Chrysler Motors with his partners, Joe Herrmann and Victor Zipperer. The dealership then became known as Yanda Motors, Inc. of which Calvin became President of the dealership. In 1972, a new dealership was built on Menasha Avenue in Manitowoc. After being in business for 28 years, he retired in 1988 and the business was sold to First Chrysler. Calvin was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, a 50 year member of the Eagles Club and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Calvin’s life was a work in progress. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and entertaining his friends and family with his guitar. Cal and his loving wife, Gloria, visited 49 states in their motorhome and built a cottage on Long Lake. Most of all, Cal was a provider for his family. He was always interested in giving direction and love to all members of his family. Cal lead by providing a loving example for all of his family and took pride in their accomplishments. He always had a smile for everyone and will be terribly missed by his family.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria; two daughters: Cheryl Hanson of Manitowoc, and Sharon and Michael Van Ells of Green Bay; two grandchildren: David and Kathy Hanson of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and Eric and Becky Hanson of Allenton, Wisconsin; two great-grandchildren: Garrett and Paige Hanson of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; and one brother and sister-in-law: Robert and Lucille Yanda of Tisch Mills. Nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends also survive. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest and Lillian Yanda; his father and mother-in-law: Frank and Rose Kunz; his brother and sister-in-law: John and Audrey Yanda; a son-in-law: Reid L. Hanson; four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, April 27, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Pleier with burial to take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mishicot, Wisconsin.

The family will great relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning, April 27, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Calvin’s name.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Holy Family Memorial Hospital and Hospice, and Dr. Milan Jordan for the wonderful care and compassion extended to Calvin and his family.

Farewell for now, some day to unite, is my wish and prayer that I give. The time will come, we’ll be together again, when in gentle hands of God we live.

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