Alva Frederick “Al” Yamnitz of Normandy, MO passed away on April 11, 2020, at DePaul Hospital from complications caused by a COVID 19 Coronavirus infection. He was born in Perryville, MO on January 27, 1931, to Gustav and Hazel (Schrum) Yamnitz. He married the love of his life, Fatama Lucille (White) Yamnitz of Fredericktown, MO on March 8, 1952, who preceded him in death on April 8, 2020 from complications caused by a COVID 19 Coronavirus infection.
Surviving Alva are two sons, Al (Nancy) of St. Charles, MO, and Larry (Delores) of Jefferson City, MO; Grandchildren Jason (Angela) Yamnitz of Smithfield, KY, Sarah (Ryan) Miller of Antioch, IL, Stephen (Candace) Yamnitz of Hanover Park, IL, Allison (Alan) Hughes of Richmond Heights, MO, Sean (Jakki) Yamnitz of Crystal Lake, IL, AJ (Catherine) Jones of O’Fallon, MO, and Amy (Nathan) Bruns of Westwood, CA ; Great Grandchildren Anna, Nick, Kaley, Lilly, Joey, Julianna, Eli, Hadassah, Malachi, Jonathon, and Mason; one sister, Viola Sharp of Perryville, MO; two sisters-in-law, Betty White of Cortland, IL, and Nora Szarwinski of Florida; two brothers-in-law, Byron (Rosalind) White of Marquand, MO, and Gary (Reta) White of Winterville, GA. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews he loved as if they were his own children.
Alva was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dalvin, Eldon, and Ray, Granddaughters Jennifer Lucille Yamnitz and Suzanne Rene’ Yamnitz, and Grandson Robert Edwin Yamnitz.
Alva was proud to serve in the United States Army beginning in 1951. His original assignment was to be a machine gunner. While at Camp Polk, LA, during a KP assignment, the mess Sergeant asked him if he could make rolls since the regular baker for the Commanding Officer’s Mess was sick. Being the son of Hazel Yamnitz paid off as his rolls were such a hit the CO reassigned him to the Company HQ Mess where he completed his time in the Army being honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1952.
Upon leaving the Army, Alva spent time driving a cement truck for his cousin in Owensville, MO. He eventually ended up working as a baker for the Kroger Company in St. Louis, MO retiring after 38 years.
Family had always been a big part of his life. He loved his family and they loved him. He would take advantage of any opportunity to attend family gatherings, being one of the first to arrive and last to leave. He loved serving others, dedicating time to be a Scout leader with his sons, helping children with disabilities during his time as a bus driver, and volunteering any time the need arose. He and Lucille always opened their home for their family. People were important to him and he never met a stranger.
Alva and Lucille loved to travel and traveled many miles across this great country camping and visiting along the way. They spoke with great fondness of their cross-country train trip to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Probably his favorite travel memory was any trip in a car or van during which he could drive 400 miles a day.
Church was important to Alva. His love for the Lord and His Church led him to become a leader in the Presbyterian Church where he served numerous times as a Deacon and on numerous committees and boards. After retiring from driving a bus he served as a part-time custodian at their Church, retiring from that role at the age of 85.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a memorial service is pending. In the meantime, burial will occur at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and will be under the direction of Collier’s Funeral Home, St. Ann, MO [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice in Alva’s memory.
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