MERVIN DE WAYNE YESKE

July 13, 1928 — December 16, 2021

Posted

SPARTA - Mervin De Wayne Yeske, 93, of Sparta, passed on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Morrow Home in Sparta, WI.

   Merv was a humble man of moral character who was loved and respected by many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. He was born on July 13, 1928 in Melrose, WI to Arthur R. Yeske and Orpha A. Baker, from Cataract, WI, where he was raised on the family farm.

   He spent his early years working for various farmers in the Melrose and Cataract area while attending Melrose High School. After graduating in 1947, Mervin began a tour of duty in the Army Division. He was married to the love of his life, Belva Brahmer of Melrose for 49 years. Together they had a passion for the Wisconsin country side and a simple way of living, surrounded by neighbors who became close friends and drop-in nieces and nephews.

   Mervin and Belva lived in the Milwaukee area where Merv was employed by Allis Chalmers and then joined EZ Painter Corporation where he retired as Vice President after 28 years in 1987. His career in manufacturing management positions was built on fairness, dedication, and hard work with the workforces he oversaw.

   Mervin was active in community organizations to include the Milwaukee Area YMCA, Trinity Memorial Hospital, St. Francis Association of Commerce and the Milwaukee Blood Bank. He received many awards for his outstanding community service.

   After Mervin’s retirement, his greatest joy was maintaing the family farmland in the Cataract area. He was a protector of nature and its inhabitants which was made clear as he reminded all who entered the woods to do so with respect, safety and preservation for generations to come.

   Mervin’s favorite pastime was his work shop on the family homestead and hunting in the nearby woods. Mervin was an intuitive machinist and woodworker who’s tinkering and curiosity lead to many projects working with wood and steel.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Belva; two brothers Hillman of Butternut, WI and Laurel of Burlington, WI; nephews Charles Mears, Michael Mears, Robert Yeske and Everett Earl Brahmer.

   In Mervin’s words: “The Lord has provided me with a great ride all my life. I have been a collector of friends. I want you to know that you are all part of my collection. God Bless you all.”

   Mervin will be fondly remembered by family and friends, especially with gratitude, longtime family friend Elaine Sawyer. With much gratitude for compassionate care we thank the Morrow Home Community.

   Family, friends and others touched by Mervin are invited to a Celebration of Life at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 8, 2022. A memorial visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the Celebration of Life at the funeral home. Interment Melrose Cemetery.

   Memorial gifts may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Sparta, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

   Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

   Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Family is requiring masks and thanks you for your cooperation.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation