Eleanor Yaeger
Eleanor Yaeger, 99 years, of Fond du Lac, WI, peacefully entered the arms of our Lord on October 7, 2025, joining her husband and loved ones in eternal life.
Born on June 2, 1926 in Regal, MN to the late Michael and Marguerite (Servaty) Mueller, she was the second of four girls. Her early days were filled with play alongside her sisters on their family farmstead in Avon, MN. She studied at St. Benedict’s School (Avon, MN), graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School (St. Cloud, MN), pursued further education at business school (St. Cloud, MN), and started her career as a bookkeeper in a department store.
On May 6, 1950 she was united in marriage to her loving husband Charles (Chuck) Yaeger at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, MN. Together, they moved to Willmar, MN where Eleanor worked as a bank teller, in payroll, and as a homemaker. She was a trailblazer for equal rights for Catholic residents and an avid volunteer for their church and school. In 1976 Eleanor and Chuck moved to Fond du Lac, WI as a Kirby Factory Distributor for which she kept the books.
Eleanor was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, avid bridge player, and supportive fan at her grandchildren’s extracurriculars. She enriched the lives of her family, friends, and neighbors through regular phone calls, thoughtful cards, shared baked goods, daily prayers, and the clippings, recipes, and mementos she saved for others to enjoy. A genuine friend to all, she enjoyed entertaining groups and out of state guests at her home. Old friends and new described her as the “sweetest woman.” Her daughter, sisters, and nieces held a special place in her heart. Together, they shared an abundance of laughs, crafts, and memories over beloved annual “Girls’ Weekend” vacations.
Eleanor is remembered for her steadfast faith, devotion to family, kindness, and generosity. She was an inspiration to others in countless ways. The energy and vigor Eleanor radiated well into her 99th year were a blessing to all around her. Her grandchildren will be forever grateful for the countless hours she eagerly volunteered in her 90s folding laundry and washing dishes whenever she visited. Her great-grandchildren cherish fond memories of her playing dolls, cards, cars, tea party and hide and seek; a testament to her playful spirit and boundless love.
Eleanor is survived by her only daughter, Patricia (Timothy) Lanari; her three grandchildren Tom (Kristin) Lanari, Mary (Brad) Vosters, John Lanari; her beloved six great-grandchildren who adored her, Kaylin, Jayna, Bradan, and Brielle Vosters, Claire and Matthew Lanari; sisters Rosalia Winter and Rosetta (Tom) Fitzpatrick; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Chuck) Yaeger, parents Michael and Marguerite Mueller, sister Dorothy Ruhland, brothers-in-law Art Ruhland and Herb Winter.
Thank you to the staff and residents at St. Clare Terrace and St. Francis Home for the wonderful care and friendship throughout the final month of her life.
Visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 14th from 9:30-10:45 AM with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Vincent de Paul-Holy Family Conference, P.O. Box 1494, Fond du Lac, WI 54936 in Eleanor’s memory.
Online condolences can be shared at zacherlfuneralhome.com.