W9BCK 1926 - 2020
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Ronald R. Yokes
Grafton, WI
QCWA # 23631
Chapter 55
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First Call: W9BCK in 1947 Other Call(s): WØERE
Ronald Russel Yokes was born in Chicago to Paul Joseph Yokes and Agnes (Chiuzels) Yokes 11/26/1926. He married Ethel (Owen) Yokes 4/24/1949 for over 60 years until she passed away 8/07/2016. He was also preceded in death by his sister Genevieve (Yokes) Bandemere. He is survived by his children; Joanne (Kenneth) Elliott- Grove, Randall (Diane) Yokes, Diane (Scott) Yokes-Ihlenfeld, Valerie (Craig) Colburn, Mary (Jeffrey) Pierce, James Yokes, Sara Yokes; 11 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
Ron was a World War II vet, a radio operator on a Destroyer Escort. This propelled his lofty career into television and he grew with the broadcast mass media of the times - holding positions from TV repair for RCA, to Assistant Chief Engineer and Production Manager for WITI TV 6 in Milwaukee. Later he participated with Storer Broadcasting to bring cable TV to Southern California. He then finished his career as a Broadcast Equipment Sales Representative for RCA.
He was an avid hobbyist all his life as a Ham Radio Operator, and was cofounder of the Ozaukee County Amateur Radio Club. He was also an automobile enthusiast, with a particular interest in Mercedes Benz.
In all endeavors he strived for the best in himself and others. He served on the committee for the Ozaukee Health and Human Services to ensure maintenance of quality care for his communities; he was secretary of the Grafton Lions Club and wrote the weekly newsletter; the Lions Foundation presented him with the MELVIN JONES FELLOW award, for dedicated humanitarian service. He was a member of Rose Harms American Legion Post 355, and delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife, Ethel.
He will truly be missed by his entire family and all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at the Grafton Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory, 979 N. Green Bay Road on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 12:30 to 3:00pm. Private burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Grafton.
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