Ken's job allowed him to travel the world, where he began his teddy bear education at museums, art galleries and antique shops. His appetite grew for books about Teddy Roosevelt, and this helped establish him as an expert. To this day he reads and traps images of bears in his memory, plus adding old bears to his personal collection. Ken enjoys the history behind each bear he sees or reads about and absorbs this information like a sponge, which is crucial for appraising bears.
Ken Yenke, a native of Cincinnati, moved with his wife Brenda first to Indianapolis as a sales manager, then on to Philadelphia and finally settling in the Cleveland area.
A corporate account manager by day, he soon found himself devoting time to his passion of teddy bear collecting. Brenda and Ken share their love for teddy bears. Brenda is an accomplished seamstress who can historically correct and restore original teddy bears.
He had a remarkable recall of teddy bears, which he loved with all of his heart and admired the talented artists who create such wonderful collectibles.
Ken shared his knowledge with everyone. Ken was a huge supporter of Good Bears of the World, and appeared in many issues of Bear Tracks. Getting a big bear hug from Waldorf, Ken graces the Winter 2012 cover.
Sharing his extensive bear collection with the public, he became the curator of the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory's Teddy Bear Museum located in Chelsea, Michigan.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his lovely wife Brenda, his children and family.
If you care to send a card to Brenda, here is her address:
Brenda Yenke
16983 Stag Thicket
Strongsville, OH 44136-6272
His books include:
Teddy Bear Treasury Vol. 1
135 pages in full color with a special introduction by Terrie Stong, Executive Director of Good Bears of the World. Teddy Bear Treasury follows the history and development of the teddy bear. Each chapter is full of stories and beautiful colored photographs which can help you identify and price your bears, books and other bear treasures.
Bing Bears and Toys with Price Guide
The Bing story comes to life with the skillful writings of Ken Yenke. Beautiful full colored photographs of Bing bears and toys helps you learn more about bear collecting and price your treasures. Ken's knowledge of early soft toys is remarkable. He shares his research with you, within the 176 pages of this extraordinary book.
Teddy Bear Treasury Vol 2
This book is a natural extension and continuation of Vol 1. No bears are repeated. Photos of original bears with their owners. Chapters include bears from friends too. Free appraisal form in the back. Over 160 full color pages consisting of bears from Ken's extensive Teddy Bear collection.
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