Edelgard Yakovich

Born on October 4, 1940 in Berlin, Germany to the late Erich and Elsbeth Klopsch, Edelgard did not have an easy start in life, overcoming many obstacles that helped shape her into the strong, determined woman she became.

On August 24, 1962, Edelgard married the love of her life and soulmate, Joseph Yakovich in Berlin, Germany. Shortly thereafter they moved to the US and started their life adventure together. Through the Air Force they moved throughout the US and Europe many times, raising a family and embarking on a shared passion of travel and exploring new places. Their bond was special and unique, a loving example to all who know them.

Edelgard began her career with AAFES in Spangdahlem, Germany, later retiring as the store assistant manager of the BX on K I Sawyer AFB. Known as “Mama Bear,” many of her colleagues turned into treasured lifelong friends.

Edelgard is survived by her husband, Joseph Yakovich of Marquette; children, Heidi (Brett) Davidson of Marquette and Monika (Chris) Christman of Jefferson, MD; Astrid Peter of Frankfort , Germany, whom she considered a bonus daughter; grandchildren, Erik Davidson of Minneapolis, MN, Elsbet Davidson of Marquette and Kaley and Victoria Christman of Jefferson, MD; siblings, Manfred (Ingrid) Klopsch of Bielefeld, Germany, Lothar (Therese) Klopsch of Biel, Switzerland and Christiane (Gunther) Kriegel of Bielefeld, Germany; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Edelgard was preceded in death by a beloved sister, Renate Peter and sisters-in-law, Sophie and Madeline Petrillo.

Those Edelgard leaves behind will forever remember her fierce love and devotion to her family, her ability to always know the best way to make any difficult situation better, her sage advice given when asked for, and a never ending supply of positive encouragement. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was especially proud of her time spent volunteering at Father Marquette School in the Intergenerational program. Affectionately known as Omi, she enjoyed sharing her life experiences with the younger generations.

She was a voracious reader, sharing books among friends, enjoying historical novels, inspirational stories and biographies. A big fan of personal letters, handwritten cards and notes, she spent many hours keeping in touch with loved ones near and far.

Although ill for many years, she met each challenge head on with courage and strength, amazing those around her with her steadfast determination to overcome any obstacle and meet each life event goal she set for herself along the way. Edelgard was an amazing woman, full of warmth, kindness and caring who was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 1st from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home. A memorial service will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Glenn Theoret officiating.

“At the end of life what really matters is not what we bought, but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared, not our competence, but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love”. Author unknown

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Yakovich family where memories of Edelgard may be shared at canalefuneral.com