Dwain Cleatis Schrank Obituary (2024)

Dwain Cleatis Schrank, 94, of Yakima, Washington, passed away on January 28, 2024. Dwain was born in Grafton, North Dakota, on November 23, 1929, to Emil and Alma Schrank. He grew up on the family farm with his two brothers and graduated from Grafton High School. In Grafton, Dwain met and courted his sweetheart, Mary Ann, and they married shortly after Dwain joined the Air Force in 1950. Dwain and Mary Ann had two sons, Cleatis, and Ethan, and they raised the two boys as the family was stationed in many locations across the states and Canada. Life in the Air Force was a good one and the family enjoyed the travel. For many years, the family enjoyed camping with a camp trailer, and the boys enjoyed fishing, especially when they were stationed in Newfoundland. During his career in the Air Force, Dwain was a Chief Master Sargeant, served as a flight maintenance crew superintendent, and was stationed in many parts of the world. Dwain was very proud of his service in the Air Force and received many awards including the Bronze Star Medal. After 20 years in the Air Force, Dwain retired from the military and the family settled in Yakima, so that Mary Ann could be close to her beloved sisters, Martha Robert, and Lillian Verstrate, and their families. The three families enjoyed many, many wonderful gatherings over the years. After retiring from the Air Force, Dwain began his second career in Real Estate in Yakima, which lasted 37 years, where he dealt mostly with the sale of homes, farms, and ranches. He was a lifetime member in the VFW, American Legion, and a member of the 40 & 8 and the Air Force Sergeants Association. Dwain was an excellent mechanic, loved solving problems, fixing things around the house, and undertook many home remodeling projects with his wife, Mary Ann. He was also a very good cook, which was very much appreciated by his family. While in Yakima, Dwain and Mary Ann took many trips, but their favorite place to visit was always the beautiful Oregon Coast. Dwain lived a full and interesting life. Dwain was very thankful for the love of his life and wonderful wife of 67 years, Mary Ann, and grateful for sons, Cleatis, and Ethan, and Cleatiss widow, Paula. Dwain is survived by his son, Ethan of Yakima, and daughter in-law, Paula Schrank of Littleton, Colorado. Dwain is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann, son Cleatis, and brothers, Elvin and Wesley. Dwain will be dearly missed. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at Holy Family Catholic Church (5315 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908) on Thursday March 14, 2024, at 10:00am. A Graveside Service for Dwain and Mary Ann will follow at Calvary Cemetery (1405 S 24th Ave, Yakima WA 98902), followed by a luncheon at Holy Family Church. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the excellent and caring staff at the Good Samaritan Rehab Unit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to your favorite charity in honor of Dwain and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Memorial Mass Holy Family Catholic Church Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:00 AM 5315 Tieton Dr Yakima, WA 98908 Reception Holy Family Catholic Church Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:00 PM 5315 Tieton Dr Yakima, WA 98908 Luncheon following Graveside. Immediately following Memorial Mass.