John G. Yost Jr., 84, died peacefully in his sleep at home Friday afternoon August 26, 2022.

John was born October 2, 1937, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to John and Lena Yost. John was the baby of seven siblings. He grew up in Omro, WI developing his passion for farming and sports. John played football, basketball and baseball - performing well in all of them. One of his many stories was about the boys’ volleyball team Omro High School put together and qualified for state. He was proud of the team's accomplishment. After high school, John served in the military for a brief time. He went through boot camp in California and served one year reserve following this. After his military service, John came home to work on the farm. One of his joys was to play organized baseball in a state league where small communities supported their teams. His team was the Eureka Falcons. After playing baseball in Winchester one Sunday, John was heading home, and this woman was walking along the road. John stopped and gave her a ride. This happened with the help of Betty’s best friend conveniently going home early, enabling John to offer a beautiful young woman a ride. John met the love of his life, Betty. John married Elizabeth “Betty” J. Unser on November 7, 1959, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Winneconne, Wisconsin. They began farming together at John’s parents’ homestead. After the birth of their first three children, Gail, Laura, and Thomas, John and Betty continued forging their own path and bought the farm adjacent to John’s parents. This remains their home to this day. Three more children came along soon after, Nancy, Joan, and John, III. What a busy household. John loved farming with his family and all six kids played a role helping. It was hard at times, but John and Betty made it enjoyable. John loved his John Deere tractors. One of his dad’s tractors, bought brand new, is still on the farm today. John continued to play softball in organized city leagues in Omro. He was always proud about the 1974 Omro 4th of July softball tournament where the team he played on, Sherm’s, won the Class A tournament. They beat the big city teams to win it. John also bowled and golfed. He enjoyed both and along with softball, acquired many trophies. John was an avid Green Bay Packer and Chicago Cub fan. Many times, whenever possible throughout the day, John was found listening to the Cubs on WGN. John enjoyed watching his wife and daughters play softball together on the same team and as a family watching and cheering all of his children. John and Betty did their best to be there for their 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren with all of their events. This included many trips to other states. When Betty went through health issues and was confined to assisted living at Country Villa during COVID, John showed his love to Betty by writing daily love letters to her talking about their wonderful journey through life. He also sat outside her window during the winter cold months just to talk to Betty. John was always one to say “I have a story” to tell you and everyone enjoyed hearing them. His memory of events was second to none. Even though during his last few weeks the stories were less frequent, he still had some to tell. He will be dearly missed.

Those John leaves behind to cherish his memory include his children, Gail (Dan) Hannahs, Laura (Jim) Abraham, Thomas Yost (Jenny Beck), Nancy Yost, Joan (Mark) Radue, and John III (Jennifer) Yost; his grandchildren, Shannah Hannahs, Quinn (Chantel) Abraham, Alyssa (Tyler) Burkhardt, Tiffany (TJ) Mlodzik, Dawn (Keith) Baas, Stephanie Yost, Marlee Yost-Wolff, Calvin Yost-Wolff, Spencer Yost-Wolff, Ryan (Breanna) Radue, Abby (Derek) Ashman, Alexander (Jazmin) Yost, and Ian Yost; his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Mlodzik, Isla Mlodzik, Connor Martin, Camden Baas, Hayden Abraham, Jack Abraham, Nolan Radue and two more on the way; his sister, Gertrude Schiller; his sisters-in-law, Marlene Yost, Sara Unser; brother-in-law, David (Rita) Unser; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena Yost; his siblings, Lawrence Yost, Charles (Dorothy, Florence) Yost, Marciel (Joseph) Fucik, Clarence Yost and Geraldine Basler; his sisters and brothers-in-law; Rosemary (Robert) Davis, Kathy (Alvin) Sodermark, Rudolph Schiller, William (Mary) Unser, Richard Unser, and Joseph Unser.

The family is eternally grateful for the support, love, compassionate care, and “family” that John experienced while at home. They include staff from Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center – Mercy Medical Center, Home Care Assistance – Fox Cities, and Heartland Hospice. John’s end of life journey was beautiful and made possible by so many special people. Thank you.

Visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, Wisconsin on Friday, September 2, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Rosary to follow). Visitation will also be held Saturday September 3 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church 720 Madison Ave. Omro with a funeral Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at the church following the Mass. Burial will be in the Winneconne Cemetery after lunch.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.