Marcella Esther Yager was born October 18, 1930, in rural Howard Lake, Minnesota, the daughter of Erwin and Milla (Stoppelman) Klammer. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, Marcella was baptized on November 9, 1930, by Pastor Seltz and confirmed in her faith on April 2, 1944, by Pastor Seltz.
On June 6, 1950, Marcella married Harlan Yager at St. James Church, officiated by Pastor Melinat. Together, they were blessed with four children, Gail, Jane, Dave, and Julie. They made their home and livelihood on a farm south of Howard Lake.
Marcella was actively involved in the church as a member of LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) and the Naomi Quilting Guild, and she served on various committees. She was an avid gardener, planting a variety of vegetables and flowers to share with the family. Additionally, Marcella enjoyed cooking and baking, hosting Holidays, and was always ready with delicious cookies or banana bread for anyone who stopped by for a quick visit.
While managing the farm, Marcella and Harlan often took breaks and enjoyed visiting their cabin on Woman Lake. They loved fishing together or with a couple of grandchildren, frequently catching their limit for an evening fish fry.
It was on July 30, while a resident at The Lodge of Howard Lake, that Marcella was called to her eternal rest at the age of 94 years and 9 months. Marcella was preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Milla Klammer; husband, Harlan Yager; son, David Yager; brother, Ken Klammer; brother, Wayne Klammer; sister-in-law, Shirley Klammer; brother-in-law, Dale Lemmerman; brother-in-law, Arwood Yager; brother/sister-in-law, Jim and Valeria Ernhart; brother-in-law, Eugene Yager; brother/sister-in-law, Dale and Lorna Anderson; brother/sister-in-law, Donald and Lorelie Yager.
Marcella is survived by her loving daughters, Gail Gerber, Jane (Bob) Bayerl, and Julie (Tom) Grad. Grandchildren: Jason (Rachel) Gerber, Aaron (Christa) Gerber, Bill (Angie) Gerber, Joe (Jessie) Keating, Josh (Cara) Keating, Ciara Grad, Laurie (Pat) Kincade, Kristy (Jeff) Wessel. Fifteen great-grandchildren, Sister, Arlene Lemmerman; Sister-in-law, Helen Yager; nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.
Funeral service will be held on August 5th, 2025, at 11:00AM at St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, MN. Visitation begins at 9:30AM and goes until the time of service. Internment at Howard Lake Cemetery. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake at Swansonpeterson.com
Aug
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