Yanka M. Weichel
Yanka M. Weichel was born June 25, 1949, in Bielefeld, Germany to Nicholas and Giesla (Wollman) Marinkovic. She went home to heaven on August 13, 2024. She was baptized in December 1949.
When she was 5 years old her family immigrated to Australia, settling in St. Albans, a suburb of Melbourne. After receiving her primary and secondary education, she studied nursing and received her nurse’s cap. She was a nurse in Sydney Australia when she met Ken Weichel, who was on leave from the Army while stationed in Viet Nam. In November of 1971, she arrived in America and she & Ken were married on February 5, 1972. To this union were born Clancie & Joshua.
She was confirmed on June 7, 1977. She was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School.
In 1985 she diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Initially she experienced tiredness and difficulty walking in a straight line. After breaking her ankle in 2005, she was bed bound until her death.
She was very creative and skilled in using her hands. She quilted many quilts, knitted, crocheted, did needle point, embroidered, and sewed many dresses, blouses and various pieces of clothing. She also loved landscaping and loved caring for the many bushes and flowers she planted around the house.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and brother Jovan.
She is survived by her husband Ken, son Michael (Marcelle) Marinkovic of Australia, daughter Clancie (Jube) McIntyre of Fairbury, son Joshua Weichel of New Richmond Wisconsin, brothers Ivan, Peter, Luke and George Marinkovic of Australia, sister-in-law Marla Weichel of Diller, brothers-in-law Tom (Kathy) Weichel of Billings Montana, Wayne (April) Weichel of Fairbury, grandchildren Brandon and Emilee Marinkovic of Australia, great-grandson Campbell Taylor of Australia, nieces and nephews.
Services will be Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury. Memorials have been established to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation & Cottonwood Hospice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.