Joanne Yecha
July 8, 1945 ~ May 24, 2009
Joanne M. Yecha, 63 of Peoria, AZ and formerly of Gettysburg passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009 at her daughter’s home at Gettysburg.
In lieu of funeral services, the family invited all friends to come and celebrate her life from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the Medicine Rock Senior Center in Gettysburg.
This will be a time to share memories and stories of our friend, daughter, mother, grandmother, and wife.
The family asks that you please wear something purple.
Cake, coffee, and punch will be provided.
She was born on July 8th, 1945 to Jim and Marge (Wentz) Felchle in Bismarck, ND. She attended elementary school and high school in Lemmon, SD, and graduated high school in 1963. She was in the National Honor Society and involved in many non-athletic activities. One of her most memorable achievements was being crowned Miss Lemmon during her senior year.
She married her high school sweetheart, David Yecha, on Dec. 30th, 1964. They lived in several places while David attended college and medical school.
Their 1st child, Sheri Lynn, was born in Devils Lake, ND on March 6th, 1966. She is married to Deryk Drew of Gettysburg, SD, and have 3 children; Treyson (12), Peyton (8), and Dylan (6). Deryk also has a son, Kadyn (18) of Eagle Butte, SD.
Their 2nd child, Lori Anne, was born in Iowa City, IA on June 9th, 1968. She is married to Bob Hansen of Rapid City, SD, and have 2 children; Haylee (16), and Hayden (11).
Their 3rd child, James “Vernie” LaVerne, was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 2nd, 1973. He lives in Sioux Falls, SD, and has a son, Darin (3).
Joanne also has a son, Mike Mclean, that she recently made contact with after having been given up for adoption shortly after his birth on January 20th, 1964. He lives in Watauga, TX. She was extremely excited about contacting him, but unfortunately was unable to reunite with him prior to her death.
The family moved to Gettysburg, SD in July of 1977, where she was a Mom and homemaker. She had a few odd jobs around Gettysburg, with her primary job being clinic manager of the Community Care Clinic.
She and David moved to Peoria, AZ in 1998. She worked as a Registration Clerk at the Emergency Room at St. Joe’s Hospital for 4 years. She was a very loving Grandmother, Mother, Wife, and Daughter. She lit up a room and made everyone she met smile.
Among her many talents were that she was very crafty, including flower arranging, making stuffed animals and mop-dolls, sewing, and making blankets for her grandchildren. She could talk to anyone, including complete strangers. She had a love/hate relationship with chokecherries.
She loved to pick them and turn them into syrup, but hated getting chiggers. She was a dear friend to all and will be missed more than words can say.
She is survived by her husband David of Peoria, AZ; her mother, Marge Jangula of Sun City, AZ; her children: Mike McLean of Watauga, TX , Sheri (Deryk) Drew of Gettysburg, Lori (Bob) Hansen of Rapid City and James "Vernie" Yecha of Sioux Falls; seven beloved grandchildren; Kadyn, Haylee, Treyson, Hayden, Peyton, Dylan, and Darin; one sister, Jill (Joe) Utter of Lewiston, ID and their children Danny and Lindsey and an uncle Tom (Diane) Wentz of Edina, MN.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Terry, her father, Jim, and her grandparents, Arthur and Lena Wentz, and August and Anne Felchle.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Joanne’s arrangements.
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Lori, Sheri Doc and families,
I am so sorry about your Mom,wife and Grandma.
There are never the right words at a time like this, but know that your friends are thinking of you now and in the days ahead. Hold your memories close and remember all of the good things.
Thinking of you all.
Lynette and Avery Dutt
All our love and prayers in the loss of your beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother. We are sure you have many, many fond memories of Joan to keep in your heart. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of you during this difficult time. Love to all, Mel & Dee
Dave and family,
I am sorry to read of Joanne’s passing, may she rest in peace.
No matter where I’d run into her, she always had a moment to chat and ask how my family was. I am sure she blessed each of your lives in her own way, may you all take comfort in those memories.
My Sympathies to each of you.
I am very sorry to hear of my cousin Joanne’s death and extend my sympathy to all of you. I treasure many memories of Joanne. One special one is a lovely photograph of her as Miss Lemmon. My most sincere condolences.
I am very sorry to hear the news, I have had alot great talks with joanne, and alot of great memories with joanne, and her family! may God be with the Yechas,Hansens, and Drew families in there time of need. R.I.P. Joanne
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.I enjoyed knowing Joanne-she was a beautiful person.
Yecha Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Joanne meant the world to us. She touched our lives in such a loving way,unconditionally. We instantly bonded as extended family. We have many loving memories and will cling to those in our time of need. Her wonderful sense of humor and her contagious laugh, her advice and all of our chats are things that I will cherish and miss the most. She was a wonderful servant of God. Always there to fill a need without any questions asked.
i am so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a great person, we are lucky to have got to know her . god bless her family. lisa beadles
I had the great pleasure to work with Joanne at St Joe’s here in Phoenix for the past 3yrs… Simply put, she was great, a great friend, and a great surrogate mom to those of us at work… And most of all, she was our “Gum Momma”. Joanne always had her little pink bag filled with tons of gum and candy for us, even the residents would ask if the “Gum Momma” was working.. She was our constant supply of sunshine and sugar, both of which were greatly needed in our ED. I, along with many others at St Joe’s, were deeply saddened to hear of her passing and I wish to send my happy memories and thoughts of Joanne to her family and friends in South Dakota… I know she is in heaven handing out gum and candy with a big ole’ smile on her face.. I’ll miss you Gum Momma..
It is with a warm smile that I think of Joanne, in the times that we had talked during our crazy busy days in the ER at St Joes. She was a wise woman, very supportive of others in so many ways and accepting of everyone she met. I have many times gone to her for advice, she always had a listening ear and a hug for me…she will be missed. We will be honoring her here for services in our chapel and we will bring our favorite candy so enjoy the times we all had together.
Our thought’s & prayer’s.She was a beautiful person. In Christ love, Raymond & Charlotte
So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. I have always had the highest respect for Dave and Joanne. Love and prayers,
Rod Axsom
This message is especially for Joann’s mother Marge. My dear friend, I can’t even imagine the pain you must be in. I know how special your daughter was to you. Just know that you and your family are in my prayers. How I would love to wrap my arms around you right now. Our Lord is always with us–He never promised us smooth sailing–just that He would always be with us. Cling to His promises! Love, Florence
We are of course in shock! – We are so sad and want to extend our sympathies to all of the famil. We are not going to be able to go to the memorial service which I am really bummed about. That is the day (june 8th) is the day that our daughter Tiffani is having her baby by C section. so??
Let us know how we may help out in any way – we are here for you – and David of course. Tell David to call us again – 623-362-8946
Dwayne called but David was sleeping – He taked to Dirk.
Love to you
Shari McLuhan
and Dwayne McLuhan
We were shocked to hear of Joann’s death-and had to smile-the girl must have been a purple wearer-a life lover!
Please know that you have our sympathies and prayers-for peace and comfort during this time-It has been quite a while since we saw her but the memory of her fabulous smile sure crosses our minds.
God bless–
We would like to express our sympathy to James and his family for their great loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim,Janie and family
Dave and family, I haven’t seen JoAnne for many years but have fond memories of my sister Connie, Joanne, and Janet having a great deal of fun together–way back when! My sympathy and condolences. May you feel the Lord’s presence as you walk through this difficult time. Sincerely, Kaye
Dave, Marge and kids …what a shock to hear of Joanne passing. She was a wonderful person, very much loved by all that knew her both here and in SD. I remember when you guys first came to Phoenix and we were so excited to get together with you guys. Remember coming to our house for a Saturday breakfast? Ü When Joanne came to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital ~ ok when she came to DAYS~ I liked to stop in and say hi once in awhile and chat. When Bryson was sick when I first started here you guys watched him and he beat Joanne at Upwards. She was so humiliated to get beat by a first grader! He still remembers that. We have been blessed to have you be a part of our lives. We are having a special remembrance here at the hospital as so many want to say “good-bye” to a very dear person and good freind. Love to all of you. J~
Dave&family & Marge
So sorry to hear about Joanne
haven’t seen her for awhile. We had some good times in school at Lemmon. You are in our thoughts and prays.
Love Fred & Karen(Ginther) Beer
David – Oh my goodness. Where do I start. She was the best “roomie” I ever had. We shared so many memories over the 18 months that I lived with her here in Phoenix. It will seem strange not to pick up the phone and call. My prayers are with you, the kids and grandkids that adored her. Love to all. Kayleen
Dear Loved ones of Joanne, and that you were. I told her about two weeks ago to know her was to love her. That is the truth, Joanne was a bright spot in anyone’s day from loved ones to perfect strangers. She was one lady full of love. I know she loved each and everyone of you, she just shined when she spoke of her dear grandchildren. I have so many special memories of my wonderful friend, Joanne. Best of all when she hugged you, you knew you were hugged. I could go on for pages, but won’t. I will miss her terribly, I will miss the infectious laugh she had, and her very deep loving heart. I know she is with the Lord in Glory, that is my only comfort. I pray for God to comfort you all with His great love. Love Patti
Dear Yecha Family,
Words can not express how sorry I am to hear of Joanne’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Joie Archer Jones
Doc, Sherri, Lori, Vernie & Joann’s Mom.
So sorry to hear of Joann’s passing. We so enjoyed our visit with all of you at the airport in Sioux Falls last Aug. Joann was a special person & I’m sure you all have special memories of her in your hearts. Our thoughts are with all of you. Marla,Michelle, Mike & Mark Banghart, Sioux Falls.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am a close friend of Mike Mclean’s and I was so happy to learn that he found Joanne and her family. My prayers are with all of the family. May God’s peace be with you.
Tom
Joanne was the stand in mother for so many of her younger coworkers. She was always interested in our lives and provided motherly advice, celebrated our accomplishments, and supported us in adversity. She always had a little something sweet for us in her candy bag. I will miss reminiscing about how different things are, “back home where we are from”.
Rest peacefully, Joanne. You will be missed!
My heartfelt condolences go out to Joanne’s family.
I loved Joanne the moment I met her. Her smile lit up the room and I loved it when she would laugh so hard it would make her cry. It didn’t matter what the day was like at work because Joanne knew how to make everyone feel good, especially with her goody bag of candy, chocolates and gum.
Joanne was like my “work mom” and was loving to everyone she met, I knew that when Joanne was working I would get a huge hug which always made my day.
Joanne loved her family very much and talked about them with such joy. Being adopted myself since birth, I remember sharing happy tears with her when talking about her recent connection with her son.
Joanne was such a wonderful person so full of life and never complained. I will miss her deeply.
-Misti
We are so sorry for your loss, Dave. Joanne was such a joy to be around. I liked being a cousin to her too!!! You guys have been so special. Missed not getting together with you in AZ this year. Tried to call a few times but missed you.
Love to you,
Ruthie and Bob
We will always be grateful for Dave and Joanne when they opened up their home for us to stay while we were having a home built. We were reading in Corinthians recently wherein it stated that “No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.” Well, needless to say, Joanne does not have to imagine any longer as she is experiencing eternity in all its glory. Until we meet again…Love, Andy and Cindy
David and Family,
I will always remember how (when Joanne would call or see me), she would say “how is my favoritist cousin”?. It was great to hear her laugh and talk about her family.
Lynette Gray
David and family. I was saddened when I heard the news of Joann’s passing. You are in thought’s and prayers. Joann was a special person.
David, I am so sorry to hear about Joanne- we were good friends for along time and then just lost track of each other – but I have thought of her often through the years- I will pray lots for you and your family and Marge and Jim – my husband died 3 years ago next month – almost 40 years of marriage – so I know the pain and struggles ahead of you.. but it does get better – we will never forget-I strongly suggest going to a grief support group- to work through it with others that can relate – call me if you need to talk sometime or email me. She was as pretty as ever. Hang on to Jesus – he is so amazing to get you though it. Connie
JoAnne and I were in the same class
as a freshman at Lemmon, South Dakota in Lemmon High School.
We are saddened to learn of Joanne’s passing. Though the years are many since our time in Vermillion, we think of them fondly and still remember the time we happened upon each other at the aquarium in Niagara Falls so long ago. We trust that God’s grace will surround your family now and in the days to come. Bea and Al Zens
Dave and family:
We can’t possibly put into words the sadness we feel in this loss—we know how much you all loved Joanne and how she loved you. Even if we didn’t see each other much we hold dear every minute we did have. Watching the video you have for her was absolutely wonderful—know you are all in our prayers.
Dave,Sheri,Lori,Vernie &families,
My prayers are with you now and alwys. I have many special memories of Joanne and will miss her. Hang on to your memories and know that when yiu miss her go to your heart, she will be there.
all my love
Mary(Hansen) Weiszhaar
I am so sorry about your loved one. She was so caring and loving and friendly to everyone. My love to you all!
Rebekah Smith
JoAnn,
I miss you so much already, you were, and alway’s will be an inspiration in my life. When I had no one to talk to you alway,s listened, and I miss that. I pray you are @ peace, you will alway’s be a part of my life, and you will alway’s be in my heart.
I love and miss you
Debby
Joanne was a baeutiful women I knew as my “second mother” and someone I could share my whole self with. I will truley miss her compsinionship and advice. Her presence will truely be missed!
Our Lord has a reason for everything that happens in life, including death. I’d just recently been in contact with Joanne and found such joy in contacting her and learning of my extended family. I share in the grief of this untimely loss. I wish I’d been able to meet her in life, but I’m sure we’ll meet some day….
Joanne and I worked together at St. Joseph’s ER. She trained me, and she was more than wonderful. Warm and friendly from the first day and never without a smile on her face. She will be sorely missed. My condolences and prayers are with her family. We’ll miss you Joanne!!
Our thoughts have been with you since we got the news. Remember the good times and her great laugh. God bless
Judy
To the Yecha’s–my deepest sympathy to you all. What a gift from God JoAnne was to us all. I remember how she was there for us in high school. Thanks for sharing her with us. Carmen
David & Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. We will all miss Joanne. No matter how long it was we hadn’t seen each other, she still made me feel like no time had passed. Joanne was a very special person. Bev Ford
David, we are so very sorry for your loss. Joanne was a terrific person and will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Yecha Family.
My deepest sympathy to your family. JOanne made us all smile. With all the little “pin ons” for basketball games in high school just to start with. She will be deeply missed I am sure. My prayers go out to your family during this sad, sad time.
I am so sorry for your loss, What an amazing women and Mother. She was so ahead of her time, always thought she gave Gettysburg a new outlook. She will be missed by many and was loved by all. Blessings to the family
David, I was shocked to read of Joanne’s passing in the Lemmon Leader, I always considered her a good friend during the high school years, hope all is well with your and your family. Mike schirber