Leo J. Yager, 80
Leo John Yager, age 80, of Mineral Point, Wis., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Leo John Yager, age 80, of Mineral Point, Wis., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Aug. 2, 1931, in Dodgeville, Wis., a son of the late Severnus and Helen (Wiest) Yager. He graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1950.
On June 17, 1952, he married the former Donna Brunker at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Ridgeway. They were married for over 49 years until she preceded him in death on Jan. 25, 2002. Leo and Donna had 14 children together. He was a lifelong farmer, first in Highland, then Hollandale, and finally Mineral Point.
Leo was a member of Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He was also a 50-year member of the Catholic Knights, serving many years as secretary/treasurer and serving his famous BBQ chicken for Branch 209.
He served several years on the Board of Milwaukee Milk Producers. He enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and was an avid bowler.
Leo and Donna were inducted in the Mineral Point Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, and he was one of the founding members of the Mineral Point Wrestling Club and served as president for 2 years.
He was awarded the "Outstanding Farmer" award in 1978 from Mineral Point High School F.F.A. and was the 2003 Parade Marshall at the Iowa County Farmers Appreciation Day. He was also a longtime member of the Jonesdale Sportsman's Club.
He married Josephine Acker Pederson on March 23, 2003.
Leo is survived by his wife, Josephine; his children Connie (Mark) Ruppert of Hudson, Linda (Thomas) Bremmer of Waunakee, Patricia Wasley (fiancé Tom Dearborn) of West Salem, Mary Kay (Greg) Sullivan of Mineral Point, Mark (Gloria) Yager of Mineral Point, Diane Yager of Seneca, Corine (Scott) Carey of Dodgeville, Janet (Kip) Kalscheur of Mt. Horeb, Michael (Sherri) Yager of Mineral Point, Karen (Dan) Durni of Mineral Point, Paul (Janalyn) Yager of Mineral Point, and Greg Yager of Sauk City; his stepchildren, Kathleen Donsing, Steve and James Pederson; 36 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; his siblings Darlene (George) Thompson, Mary (Vernon) Forseth, Doris Ast, George Yager, Ted (Dee Dee) Yager, Bill Yager, and Grace (Don) Hasburgh; his sisters-in-law Suzette Yager and Mary Elaine Lathrop; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Donna, infant daughter Mary Ellen; son Leo Jr.; his brothers Tom and Louis; his sisters Rita and Joan; his father- and mother-in-law, Clement and Madeline Brunker; and brothers-in-law Lavern Brunker and Walter Ast.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point. Fr. James Hinnen officiated. Burial was held in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends were invited to call from 3-8 p.m. Friday and from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Upland Hills Hospice, 800 Compassion Way, Dodgeville, WI 53533, or the charity of your choice.
Gorgen Funeral Home, Mineral Point, 608-987-3421, www.gorgenfh.com.
Tags: obituaries
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