Yvonne Carla Kleimola

Yvonne C. Kleimola passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026 at the age of 75 due to unexpected complications not related to her cancer. Born on October 5, 1950, in Merrill, WI, Yvonne was a beloved wife, devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and cherished sister. She filled her life with love, laughter, and a passion for her family. 

Yvonne married her best friend, David Kleimola, on June 30, 1984. They enjoyed camping, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, watching NASCAR, and sharing many adventures over their nearly 42 years together. She was very close with her two boys, Shawn and Shannon, and treasured her special bond with her daughters-in-law, Angie and Stacie. Yvonne deeply adored her grandchildren, Aaron, Alyssa, and Macie Merkel. Her siblings were an important part of her life, and she cherished the closeness they shared.

In her 30-plus years as a medical assistant at UW Clinic Wausau, Yvonne touched countless lives with her caring spirit and dedication. She later embraced her role as a loving homemaker and caregiver, always prioritizing her family's happiness. Yvonne found joy in life’s simple pleasures - whether she was cuddling with her dog, Lulu, watching scary movies and paranormal shows or treating herself to the occasional visit to the casino.

Yvonne was a creative soul who loved to color and play casino games on her iPad, and she never missed a chance to get her family together to celebrate birthdays and holidays. Always the life of the gathering, her love, laughter, and kindness embraced all around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, David; sons Shannon (Stacie) Merkel and Shawn (Angie) Merkel; grandchildren Aaron, Alyssa, and Macie Merkel; and her siblings Darlene (Jim) Kohnhorst, Terry (Connie) Harkner, and Jodie (Bill) Johnston, along with several nieces and nephews. 

Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Sr. and Juanita Harkner; her brother, Floyd Harkner Jr.; her nephew, Ryan Kohnhorst; and her in-laws, Arnold and Dorothy Kleimola, and Christian and Dorothy Merkel. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Aspirus Cancer Care – Wausau. Over the five-years they cared for her, cancer did not get her. And to the staff at Seasons of Life (Hospice House) in Woodruff, WI, for their gracious and extraordinary care of Yvonne and her family during her final days.

A visitation will be held at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 903 E. Third St, Merrill, WI 54452 on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9am-11am. A memorial service will follow at 11am with her ashes laid to rest at St. Francis cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in Yvonne's honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.