Gregory M. Yehle, Jr.

Gregory M. Yehle Jr., 82, of Barre Mills, WI, died Monday, November 15, 2021, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse. Born January 29, 1939 to Mathilda (Kendhammer) and Gregory Yehle, he was the second of four children. Growing up on the Northside, Greg loved his childhood (except for school!), and enjoyed sharing stories from his youth. Whether it was messing around in a coal bin, or fishing on the river, he relished these times and remembered them fondly throughout his life.

Greg had a very strong work ethic, and began his first official job at the age of 16, working at Freddie's Market on the Northside. A few years later, he joined the National Guard Reserves. It was during this time he met and fell in love with his friend's sister, Mary Jo Maxwell. They were married at St. James the Less Catholic Church, where he was a life-long member, in 1962. The next seven years would bring them five children, all of whom he loved and valued, and always held their best interest at heart. He worked hard to provide for his family, sometimes holding down three jobs, allowing Mary Jo to be home to raise their children. This sacrifice on his part would turn out to be an invaluable gift of precious time together for his family, as Mary Jo passed away at the age of 36. Through his own grief, Greg continued to both work and raise his children, and would be there for them for the rest of his life. Greg was the 3 ^rd generation of Yehles to be a police officer for the city of La Crosse. He worked patrol for many years, followed by several years as an investigator with the city, then county, of La Crosse. With his dry wit and humor, he made many friends where ever he worked.

In 1980, Greg would again find someone to share his life with. Through a bit of a “mix-up-that-was-meant-to-be”, he went on a date with Gloria Mose. They would have celebrated their 40 year anniversary this December. In the early years, Greg and Gloria would enjoy time at their cabin in Hatfield, where friends and family were always welcomed. Eventually, they would buy some land in Barre Mills, where they would build a home, and where Greg could hunt with the boys and Gloria could have room for all the animals she loves to take care of. Even when his hunting years were over, Greg and Gloria would always have a supply of coffee, beer and food for the hunt. There are many fond memories of Pumpkin Parties and 4 ^th of July parties at their home, and their friends and family, especially the grandkids, will always be thankful for them. Because of Gloria's commitment and care, Greg was able to stay home until the last weeks of his life.

Greg will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria, his five children, Barb (Mike) Erickson, Prescott WI, Mike (Lisa), La Crosse WI, Mark (Kim), Holmen WI, Vicki (Dave) Dobson, Holmen WI, and Craig (Tami) of Winona MN, 13 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, brothers, Jerry (Merrie), Holmen WI and Phil (Ramona), Tucson AZ, Gloria's brother, Irv, Mary Jo's family, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and Mary Jo, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lucille (Locy) McKinley, in-laws Bill Mose, Arlene Robinson, Dick Maxwell, and Steve (Julie) Maxwell, as well as other friends and family he held dear.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. James the Less Catholic Church. Father Woodrow Pace will officiate. Burial will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of services.