Charline EmmaLee Yanken, age 95 of North Platte, Ne passed away September 2, 2016 at Great Plains Health. Charline was born April 2, 1921 to Fred and Rebecka (Stellman) Coller in North Platte, the oldest of six brothers and a sister.
During her early life the family moved wherever they could find work. These included North Platte, Dickens, Sutherland, Cozad, and Minnesota. During these hard times her family resided in automobiles, sod houses, a cellar and railroad box cars. The last move was to Baker, Oregon and at that time Charline stayed in North Platte to finish school at one location. She was 15 years old and was on her own. She stayed in an apartment and for her rent she cleaned the home, for her food she cleaned and worked at a small neighborhood grocery store. Achieving her goal of finishing school at one location she promptly got a bookkeeping job and once again cleaned and cooked for her apartment. In 1941 she met Virgil Yanken and they married on June 16, 1943. To this union one son, Gary was born. Having worked various jobs in Texas and Kansas while Virgil served in the military, Charline helped start the original Sears and Roebuck Store. She stayed with Sears as the manager of the ladies department, retiring in 1983. For the next 33 years she lived in her home on her own. Charline’s life was one of hard work, responsibility, and independence. She loved her vacations to Oregon to visit family, pick wild berries, camp in the mountains, and eat trout. Her son’s dogs were her love and therapy and over the years she lived for times spent with Spanky, Brittney, Pooh, Ember, and Aspen. They always got brushed and held so tight so as not to escape her lap!
Charline is survived by her son, Gary (Sandi) Yanken of North Platte; four grandchildren, Scott VonBehren, Greg (Heather) VonBehren, Heidi (Dan) Ertz, and Brooke (Justin) Janas; great-grandchildren, Alex VonBehren, Josh and Kaeleigh Ertz, Tate, Ella, and Jacoby Janas; a sister, Lois; and brothers, Al and Leo.
Charline was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Virgil; brothers, Bob, Rich, Don and Fred Jr.
Memorials can be made to “Fur the Love of Paws” and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
As per her request, there will be no service or viewing. Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Mom and dad together again. Adams & Swanson Funeral home is handling arrangements.