Leann Wegner Yakle

Leann Wegner Yakle went to heaven on October 22, 2024. Leann was born on May 4, 1959, in Charles City, to Fred and Betty Wegner. She was baptized and confirmed at Cross Lutheran Church in Charles City. After graduating from Clear Lake High School in 1977, Leann attended NIACC before earning a bachelor of arts degree from University of Northern Iowa in 1981.

On November 25, 2000, Leann married the love of her life, Jerry (John Jerome) Yakle, in Clear Lake. Together, they shared a life full of love, laughter and happiness, eventually making their home in Sebring, Fla., after Leann’s retirement from McKesson Corporation in 2021. She was especially proud to have been hired as the first employee at the Clear Lake location in 2016, and she made lasting contributions during her time there. Prior to joining McKesson, she held different and interesting positions in sales and office management.

Leann was proud to say she was a breast cancer survivor. A true free spirit (even as a child), Leann lived life on her own terms and never got caught up in social norms – she did things her way, following her own convictions. She was known for her unwavering kindness and generosity, always willing to give of herself, whether to family, friends or even strangers. Her caring heart extended to inviting people she barely knew to Thanksgiving dinner, generously tipping those who served her and offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

She was the family’s adventurous spirit, always embracing new experiences and challenges. Her sense of humor brought love, fun and especially laughter to every family gathering. Family members have spent recent days fondly recalling Leann’s joyful presence at the beloved “Sister & Niece Getaways,” where her enthusiastic spirit kept everyone on their toes. She was famous for suddenly disappearing during shopping trips, only to return with hidden treasures for her family.

Leann was also known for her legendary “gift closet,” always filled with unique items for just the right occasion. She had a knack for brightening any occasion, whether it was surprising someone with a thoughtful gift, the latest in in-home spa treatments, or offering a spontaneous massage with the infamous foot massage machine, which became a tradition that will be talked about for years to come. Her resourcefulness, including her ability to find treasures at rummage sales, became a skill that benefited the whole family.

Leann’s love for travel took her across the globe, from London to Africa to Alaska. At one point, she even served as a travel guide for a bus tour company, always ready for the next adventure. Her family remembers these travels and her ability to wheel and deal at flea markets with amusement and admiration and sometimes, even embarrassment.

She adored her nieces and nephews, showering them with boundless generosity and love. Leann believed that the way you make others feel is the greatest legacy you can leave, and people should be forgiven and given a second chance. She truly lived by that philosophy, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Leann’s pride in her family was evident in how she loved introducing them to her friends, coworkers and neighbors. Her husband, Jerry, always affectionately referred to her as his “bride,” a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

In Leann’s words… “This is not the end, but only a beginning. Woo-hoo!”

Leann is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry, and dog, Lee; her siblings Fred Wegner (Brooke Benschoter), Pat Wistey, Nancy (Matt) Brinkman, and Paul Wegner (Kristy); her five nieces and five nephews; 10 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; cherished friends; and all those whose lives she touched. She will forever be remembered for her adventurous spirit, generous heart, and the joy she brought to so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Betty Wegner, her in-laws, John and Ardna Yakle, and her brother-in-law, Bill Wistey.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida or to the charity of the donor’s choice.