Obituary of Gene Yuelkenbeck

Gene, of Federal Way, WA, passed away on October 1, 2008 at the age of 81, after a short battle with leukemia. He was born in Kansas City, Mo the only child to George & Evelyn Yuelkenbeck. Gene spent 20+ years in the Navy and US Air Force. Serving the Navy on Submarines and throughout Europe, Greenland, Iceland and 5 years in Vietnam with the Air Force. He traveled extensively while in Europe; exploring all the castles he could, learning to ski in Switzerland, race cars in Germany and England plus many many more adventures. After retiring from the Air Force in 1968 he went to work for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1988. Throughout the years he learned several languages and studied even more. Gene was an avid reader never met a book he didn’t like. He also loved a good meal. He was a private man with a big heart. Gene never had time to marry, but enjoyed his cousins’ children as his adopted grandchildren. Gene enjoyed his morning coffee time at the Federal Way Commons Starbucks with the friends he made there. Thank all of you for making those times special for him. Gene was predeceased by his father, Mother Evelyn Pittman. He is survived by his cousin, Beverly (Wayne) Triplett of the home, her children Kim Triplett, Auburn, Kristina Kolerich, Auburn, Cheryl Triplett, Federal Way, Wade (Ann) Triplett, Tacoma, Jennifer (Ken) Hayes, Tacoma, Beverly’s granddaughters Ariel Yanda and Brittney Triplett, other close relatives in Kansas City, Mo and friends, as well as the families loving Yorkie Tara who kept him company in his later years. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held Sunday October 5th 4 PM, at Milton United Methodist Church, 1405 10th Ave, Milton, WA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Federal Way Multi-Service Center Food Bank, 1200 So 336th, Federal Way, WA 98003. In Memory of Gene Yuelkenbeck.