William Russell Yingling

William Russell Yingling, 77 of Wolverine, died January 17, 2017 in Petoskey.

William was born on March 23, 1939 in Sterling, IL, the son of George and Elizabeth (Goldthorpe) Yingling and was raised Milledgeville, IL, graduating from Chadwick High School with the Class of 1957.   He attended college for 2 years at Western Illinois before entering the US Army and serving his country as an MP while stationed in Germany.  Following his discharge, a friend told him to come home, move to Pontiac, MI and he could get him a job at General Motors.  This was the beginning of a 25-year career at GM lastly as a Specifications Engineer.

On December 8, 1973, William married the former Cynthia Bahnsen in Marblehead, OH and the two made their home in Pontiac.   William worked for GM until he retired in 1993 and went to work at the new Home Depot store in Pontiac. 

William loved Northern Michigan and everything it had to offer.  Starting in 1967, he visited the area snowmobiling and riding his motorcycle and in 1974 he and Cynthia decided to buy a house in Wolverine.  When he heard that a new Home Depot store was opening in Petoskey, they jumped at the chance and in 2000 he transferred to the Petoskey store and they made a move, making their home in Wolverine, where they have lived ever since.   William continued to work at the Petoskey store for 14 years, retiring in 2014.

He enjoyed snowmobiling and anything to do with farming and tractors.  He was an active member of the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the National Wild Turkey Foundation, the Afton Deer Management Group and the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Petoskey where he was a member of the Elderberries group.   He was always a caring man and was always there to lend a helping hand.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; son, Joshua Yingling of Pontiac; granddaughter, Tessa Short; brother, Robert (Pam) Yingling; brother-in-law, Eddie (Janet) Bahnsen and sister-in-law, Marcia (Dave) Dunham; his constant companion, Daisy; and by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Stone Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21st from 10 until 11am when a service celebrating his life will be held, officiated by Pastor Sherri McGuffin.

Those wishing to honor William’s memory are asked to make a donation to the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or the Cheboygan County Humane Society.

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