Donald E. “Don” Yackley, 64

Donald E. “Don” Yackley, age 64, of New Prague, MN passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 7, 2017 after an exhausting battle with ALS.

Don was born December 7, 1952 in New Prague to James P. and Loretta M. (Seifert) Yackley. He lived in New Prague all his life and attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School.

After graduating from New Prague High School in 1971, he attended Austin Vocational Technical School earning a degree in Construction Trades.

Don formed D & K Builders in 1976 and was in business for 39 years until December 1, 2015.

He married Janice M. Bakken on August 8, 1981 at Lake Mills, Iowa. Jan died on August 17, 1993. With even more love in his heart to share, he married Jacqueline J. Simon on November 14, 1998 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.

In Don's high school years, he loved to act in plays. Later he enjoyed acting for community theatre.

Don was a member of the New Prague Knights of Columbus and was very active in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church community serving on the Parish Council and the Parish Finance Committee. He also served as a communion distributor and sacristan, as well as being a regular participant in the Good Friday Mime Presentation of the Passion.

Don was a meticulous carpenter and would always go out of his way to help anyone. He was also a Lanesburgh Township board member. His very own hands planted every single tree on his beautiful, large landscaped property.

Don enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Time spent with his wife, family, friends, and dogs were important to him. Don touched the lives of everyone who was privileged to know him. His natural radio voice and outrageous laugh caught the attention of many.

Don is survived by his wife, Jackie of New Prague; daughters, Julie M. Yackley of Greenville, SC and Anna L. Katz (friend Jon P. Forss) of New Prague; siblings Jim (Donna) Yackley of Salisbury, MD, Paul of St. Paul, Vikki (Roger) Broun of Chaska, Mary Pat Yackley of Solvang, CA, and Joel (Dorri) Yackley of Belle Plaine; grandson Drake Gables of Greenville, SC; and foster granddaughter, Keirah also of Greenville, SC. Don is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Jon Broun, Scott Yackley, Haley Fairall, and Shannon Merry. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Jan; brother-in-law Gary Werner; and nephew Ryan Bakken.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation took place on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. and Wednesday morning from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, New Prague.

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