Leonard E. YOAP

Oconto County Reporter
Feb 17, 1999

Col. Leonard E. Yoap, 83, well known auctioneer and real estate salesman of W6695 Cty Rd. B, Pound, died unexpectedly at his home, Saturday evening, February 13, 1999 following a brief illness. Leonard was born March 21, 1915 in the Town of Grover. He was the son of the late Henry and Clara (May) Yoap. He had resided at the family farm his entire life. Leonard attended the former Woulf School and Forest View School. Upon completion, he worked with his father on the family farm. Leonard married the former Luella Polzin on February 18, 1939 at St. John's Lutheran Parsonage, Town of Grover. They were happily married for 45 years, and she preceded him in death on September 5, 1984. Leonard was actively engaged in farming most of his life. First, on the family farm, and then later as part owner of a dairy operation in the Town of Beaver for several years. He had an avid interest in dairy farming all of his life.

Col. Yoap graduated from the Reisch School of Auctioneering in August of 1940. He conducted his first auction in the Loomis area on January 17, 1941. He conducted thousands of auctions of all types throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in an illustrious career that spanned nearly 60 years. He loved people. Leonard was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coleman.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Col. Everett and Jaci Yoap, Pound; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Robert Dettman, Pulaski; a sister Mrs. Tony (Enola) Lepianka, Fond du lac; grandchildren Julie Dembroski, Henry (Rebecca) Yoap, Leonard (Debbie) Yoap; Joanne (Jody) Styczynski, Rene (Peter) Jungers, Rob (Laura) Dettman, Laurie (Alan) Wood, and Kristy Dettman; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is further survived by a special friend Virginia Mansfield and many other friends.

Leonard was further preceded in death by two brothers Loren and Clarence Yoap, by two sisters Mrs. Louis (Verna) Heisel and Mrs. Gust (Mabel) Polzin; and by a grandchild Melissa Dettman.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 235 East Main Street, Coleman from 5:30 until 9:30 PM Wednesday, February 17, 1999 and from 10:00 AM Thursday, February 18, 1999 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coleman. Service of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday at the Church. The Rev. Gregory Stahlecker officiating. Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Peshtigo.  

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