Rollin "Butch" H. Yanzer

Rollin H. “Butch” Yanzer, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 6, 2019 at age 87. He was born on November 27, 1931 in LaCrosse, the son of Harold and Gladys Yanzer. He was a 1951 graduate of West Salem H.S. where he was a multi-sport athlete. Rollin served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 as a signalman aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea aircraft carrier. He was stationed in the Mediterranean always saying how much he loved Madrid, Spain. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Milwaukee with friend Leo Westervelt and became a renowned Auto Body painter until his retirement in 1994. He then mowed the fairways at Western Lakes Country Club until getting up those early mornings became too difficult. Rollin was an avid golfer and played softball and enjoyed playing pool in the Waukesha area for over 50 years. He loved to read and has read every Tom Clancy and Louis L’amour novel multiple times. His hang-out for many years had been the Circle Inn and the Eagles Club where he had made many life-long friendships. Rollin was a 25-year member of the Eagles Club and a member of the VFW Post 7221 in Mukwonago.

Rollin married Patricia A. Markham on June 20, 1959, they were married for over 35 years until her passing in 1994. Rollin is survived by his daughters Laura (David) Streator, Paula Yanzer, and son John (Robin Sue) Yanzer, his grandchildren Sam and Mary Claire Streator, Joshua and Noah Yanzer, sister Lavonne Erb and sisters-in-law Nancy Markham, Delores Yanzer, and Jean Mawhinney Dunn. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Rollin also is survived by his beloved companion of 23 years, Barbara Luedtke, who lovingly took care of Dad. He is also survived by his furry friends, Bailey, Mango, and Deetle.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Patty, parents Harold and Gladys, best in-laws ever Willard and Nettie Markham, dear brothers Gene and Larry Yanzer, dear nephew Donny Yanzer, brothers-in-law Will and Dick Markham and Charles Erb, sister-in-law Linda Markham and multitude of other family and cherished friends that have gone before him.

“When I die, remember that what you knew of me is with you always. What is buried is only the shell of what was. Do not regret the shell, but, remember the man, remember the father. “- Louie L’amour

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 822 N. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery