Steven Allen Yackley

CANBY–Steven Allen Yackley, age 78, of Canby, MN, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and well-known member of the community, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on Friday, March 22nd at 10:30 am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, Minnesota. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 21st at Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby from 4:00-7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, Canby.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Canby Hospice, Canby Lions Club, and The Blue and Gold Foundation in Steven’s honor.

Steven Allen Yackley was born on July 20, 1945, in Canby, Minnesota, to parents Lester and Wilma (Sillman) Yackley. He graduated from Canby High School in 1963 and went on to earn his degree in Soil Science and Education from the University of Minnesota in 1970.

Throughout his life, Steven was deeply involved in various community organizations and activities. He served as a member of the Oshkosh Township Board and was actively involved in the SW Technical College Board. His commitment to service extended to his membership in the Lions Club, Golf Club, and Canby Sportsman Club. Steven was also a member of First Baptist Church, where he found great joy in his faith community.

An avid sports enthusiast, Steven enjoyed golfing, hunting, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Twins and Vikings. He took immense pleasure in watching his grandchildren participate in sports and was always their biggest fan. Steven also had a passion for restoring old tractors, playing cards, and collecting quotes, with his favorite being, “The best way to get friends is to be a friend.” Coffee with his friends at the “Table of Knowledge” was a daily highlight.

One of Steven’s greatest joys was spending winters in Arizona, where he formed many close friendships. He cherished the time spent with his new friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Steven’s professional journey was deeply rooted in agriculture, a field he loved dearly. Over the years, he held various roles, including chemical representative, agricultural teacher at SW Technical College, and manager of Tri Line Farmers Coop in Clarkfield. He was also the co-owner of Tri-County Feed and Farmers Ag Center. Steven concluded his esteemed career as the manager for Helena Chemical Company until his retirement. He often remarked that he felt blessed by his students, employees, and customers, and felt he never had to “work a day” because he enjoyed it so much.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Steven was a dedicated farmer for 55 years. Even in retirement, he found joy in assisting his nephew during harvest and planting seasons, never wanting to give up his true love for farming.

Steven leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service. He will be deeply missed by his wife Judy (Nevins) of 60 years, children Scott and wife Robin, Jason and wife Tammy; grandchildren: Claire, Emma, Jackson (Alley), Cooper (Sarah), and Natalie and great grandchildren: Macy and Louis; siblings: Darryl (Kaye) Yackley, Lyndon (Debbie) Yackley, and Lorie (Chuck) Hoffman; sisters and brothers in law: David Denelsbeck, Patti Gubrud, Bonnie (Doug) Anderson, Rolland (Kathy) Nevins, Barbara (Matt) Combes, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends and colleagues. He was a leader, an entertainer and loved by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Wilma Yackley, sister Jeanette Denelsbeck, brother Gene Yackley, niece Angela Anderson and nephew Andrew Hoffman.

Steven Allen Yackley’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of compassion and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.