Yager, Leo J.
August 2, 1931 - January 18, 2012
Mineral Point - Leo John Yager, age 80, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 2, 1931 in Dodgeville, WI, a son of the late Severnus & 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 January 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 was one of the founding members of the Mineral Point Wrestling Club and served as President for two 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 long time 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 Deal), 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 step children, Kathleen Donsing, Steve & 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 & 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 & Joan, his father and mother-in-law, Clement & Madeline Brunker and brothers-in-law, Lavern Brunker & Walter Ast.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point. Fr. James Hinnen will officate. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. 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.
