Submitted by: Mary JoKoran

Article published Aug 20, 2006
Walter G. Yaw
Feb. 2, 1935 - Aug. 18, 2006

Walter Gerald "Jerry" Yaw, 71, of Dowagiac, died of natural causes at 9:10 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2006, in his home. Walter was born February 2, 1935, in Mishawaka, Ind.

Walter worked as a production manager for 7-Up Bottling, Mishawaka/South Bend.

He loved gardening, camping and woodworking. He played piano for local bands, weddings and night clubs. He was a member of Mishawaka Eagles 2083 and Mishawaka Moose Lodge 1262. He was a past governor of the lodge. He was also a member of Dowagiac Moose Lodge #933. He loved CB radio (call #KC 8) and was amateur ham radio operator involved with "Sky War" with Citizen Band Radio.

He married Barbara (Riege) on December 17, 1954, in Mishawaka. She survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Sherryl (Paul) Bixby of Osceola; three sons, Jerry (Mimi Park) of Dowagiac, Mark (Chris Reasonover) of Osceola and Larry (Elizabeth) of South Bend; three sisters, Wilma Knoblack of Arizona, Maxine Bloss of Mishawaka and Mildred Clarke of Wyoming; three brothers, Jack (Helen) of Arizona, Lyle (Anabelle) of Granger and Jim (Dorothy) Morris of Osceola; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Howard (Helen Yaw) of Arizona; 11 grandchildren, Brandy, Timothy, Matthew, Brendan Bixby, Adam Yaw, Tya and Ty Yaw, Amy, Brianne, Ellen and Justin Yaw; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2006, in Groner Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today, August, 20, 2006. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of SW Michigan.