Wendell L. Yepsen

Wendell L. Yepsen, 90, of Neponset, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at his home. Wendell was born July 13, 1934, in Princeton, the son of Arthur and Florence (Nauer) Yepsen. Wendell attended Neponset High School, he graduated with the class of 1952. Wendell married Mary Patricia “Pat” Shaner on January 11, 1959, at the Osceola Baptist Church; she survives.

Wendell is also survived by two children, Ben (Danette) Yepsen, Plainfield, IL and Rachel (John) Morris, Paris, IL; three grandchildren, Ryan Yepsen, Ruby Yepsen, Robert Morris; great grandson, Luke Yepsen; siblings, Maurice Yepsen, Kewanee, Myrtle (Jim) Robison, Bradford, Dennis (Nancy) Yepsen, Kewanee; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; step father, Leroy “Babe” Wyld ; son, Nathaniel Yepsen; sister and brother-in-law, Leta and Jack Burrows; sister-in-law, Pat Yepsen; niece, Diane Headley; and a nephew, Jeff Burrows.
Wendell served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1960; he was stationed in Pensacola, FL.

Wendell worked with the Local Union 176 Joliet as a Journeyman Electrician. He worked for Harding Electric in LaSalle/Peru for many years. He also worked on several large projects in various states. Wendell was an owner operator of the Neponset Hardware Store during the early 70’s. During his younger years he attended the Neponset United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion and was a volunteer fireman. Wendell was a very creative person; he enjoyed whittling primitive American art, Neponset’s Picnic Day, and designing and building the family’s house and barn. He also enjoyed cutting wood in his spare time. Wendell especially loved spending time with his family.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday, April 7, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the funeral home. Pastor Rebecca Klemm will officiate. Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery, Neponset. Military Rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Memorials may be made to the Neponset Historical Society or the Floral Hill Cemetery Association. Please leave an online condolence for Wendell’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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