Yvonne Leone (Vorpagel) Koch passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 15th, 2022, of natural causes. She was 86 years old. Yvonne was born on February 18th, 1936, in Merrill, Wisconsin and dedicated her life as a grade school and special education teacher in Wisconsin and California for 44 and 1/2 years, retiring in 2001. She was married to James W. Koch for almost 60 years, after 3 years of dating. She resided in Wisconsin until 1967 before moving to Sacramento, California until her passing. Yvonne loved cats and enjoyed reading and doing yardwork, especially with flowers. She was a lovely and patient wife and mother and was loved by everyone. Yvonne was preceded into heaven by her parents Herman & Frieda (Zimmerman) Vorpagel and her brother, William (Bill) Vorpagel, Lincoln County’s first Korean War service member KIA in 1950. She is survived by her husband, Jim, two daughters, Kathy, and Karen, 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her sole surviving brother of Merrill, Daniel Vorpagel. Yvonne was a positive thinking, kind, considerate, and loving woman who was loved by her husband, family, and 11-year-old cat. She was always very considerate and helpful to many others. She also helped diligently with her husband in various extra activities over their years of marriage.
Yvonne will have a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022,at 11:00am at St. Francis Catholic Xavier Church in Merrill, WI. Following Mass, there will be a private viewing for family from 12:30pm -1:30pm, and public viewing from 1:30pm -3:30pm at Waid Funeral Home. She will be buried on Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, at St. Henry’s Cemetery in Watertown, WI.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.