Frederick "Fred" H. Yahr

Frederick H. Yahr, 94, of West Bend died on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Cottages at Cedar Community, West Bend.

He was born on August 10, 1924 to the late Leonard and Ruth (nee Miller) Yahr in West Bend WI. In his youthful days, he spent time with neighborhood friends and siblings and at the family business across the street from their home. In 1942, Fred graduated from West Bend High School and enlisted in the Navy not long after.  While in the Navy, he became a radar instructor and served honorably at Naval installations in Chicago and San Francisco.

On March 7, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Brueggemann at Trinity Lutheran Church in South Mequon. The couple raised their five children in the Town of West Bend on Highway Z. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He loved his home, his beautiful wooded yard and neighborhood.

Fred loved to travel and explore. The young couple honeymooned in Acapulco, Mexico - this led to a love of Mexico and they shared this love with their children in 1964, bravely pulling a trailer across a desert and through mountain ranges until they reached Guadalajara. We’ve lost count of the number of flat tires on this trip, but the memories are still vivid. Throughout their marriage, Fred and Mary Ann took many trips with friends and family, venturing around the world.

After the war he rejoined West Bend Concrete Products, the business started by his father Leonard. He was dedicated to his work at Bend Industries seeing the company expand, merge and develop state-of-the-art concrete manufacturing practices. He served as president of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) in 1981 and was recently inducted into NCMA’s Hall of Fame. Fred continued to work into his eighties. 

He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church; from baptism to confirmation and regular worship he steadily studied the Bible and practiced his faith daily. 

He was a longtime Rotarian, a Paul Harris fellow and one of the founders of the “fish boil” festivities. 

He was also very supportive of Bethesda Lutheran Home where his daughter Barbie lived for many years.

He had a quiet nature, kind smile and generous heart. His final years were spent living at Cedar Community Assisted Living and The Cottages. His family appreciates the loving care he received.

Those Frederick leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Mary Ann Yahr; five children, Linda (Richard) Tunstall, Barbara Yahr, Debra (Peter) Reak, Jim (Deb Buntrock) Yahr, Jane (Bill) Shepard; seven grandchildren, Craig (Claire) Tunstall, Melissa Tunstall, Katie (Dylan Reese) Tunstall, Preston Yahr, Luke Yahr, Erika Shepard, and Nick Shepard; three great grandchildren, Viggo Tunstall, Jurgen Tunstall, and Zeke Reese; a sister, Carol Gerner; a brother, Tom (Lori) Yahr; a sister-in-law, Audrey Yahr; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Allen Yahr and brother-in-law, John Gerner.

A funeral service in remembrance of Frederick will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 809 S. 6th Ave., West Bend.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, The Threshold or a charity of your choice in Fred’s name are appreciated by the family.

The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Frederick’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frederick "Fred" H. Yahr, please visit our Tree Store.