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Luella Irene Yakel

1925 - 2007

Luella I. Yakel, 82, Klemme, died unexpectedly December 30, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. Services were held January 4 at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Luella Irene, the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Schuettpelz) Theimann, Jr., was born April 7, 1925 on her parent's farm four miles east of Klemme, the youngest of four children. She attended Ell Township country school and graduated from Klemme Community Schools. She was baptized May 7, 1925 and confirmed April 7, 1939 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Klemme. Luella married Roland F. Yakel on January 28, 1947 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church. They spent a number of years farming in rural Klemme where she assisted with farm operations such as milking the dairy cattle. Luella always raised a large vegetable garden and was known for her beautiful gladiolas and other flowers. Her green thumb was known for delicious tomatoes, squash, green beans, and cucumbers. She was looking ahead for her planting needs as spring 2008 approached. She was a devoted wife and partner on the farm and was a loving and nurturing mother.

Luella was a lifelong member of the church and had been active in Women's Fellowship, was Secretary of the Fellowship, served the Sunday School Board, and assisted with other tasks. She sang alto in the church choir and was very well read on the Bible. Roland died in January 1972, just short of the couple's 25th wedding anniversary. Following his passing, Luella was employed for a time as a cook at the Garner Country Club and then at Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme for many years before her retirement. Luella enjoyed handicrafts. She was excellent at needlework, made many beautiful cross stitched items, and meticulously and lovingly made quilts for loved ones. She was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Luella looked forward to family get togethers and had just enjoyed the fellowship of her family the afternoon of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandson Troy Larson; two sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include daughter Susan (Marion) Larson of Woonsocket, SD and their children Amy (Rich) Miller of Woonsocket and Tracy (Corey) Bird of Sioux Falls; daughter Julie Mau of Klemme and her children Trevor (Darla) Pasch of Yankton, SD and Mandie (Noah) Reed of Kanawha; daughter Kathryn Turnbull of Klemme and her son Randy (Kathy) Yakel of Klemme; seven great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law Grace Thiemann of Klemme, Leona Yakel of St. Paul and Myrna Yakel of Hampton.

source: Belmond Independent, 9 Jan 2008

 

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