Howard Thomas Yelton

Howard Thomas Yelton, “Tom” age 88, a lifelong Minocqua resident passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022. He was born on April 7, 1934 in Tomahawk, WI to Wilmer and Velma Yelton. Tom met the love of his life, Janet Zoe Birkholz while both were still in high school. Tom graduated from Minocqua High School and then went to MSOE. They were married July 31, 1954, in Minocqua and spent 56 years together. Tom joined his brothers in the construction business and built many homes in the Northwoods area. He wore many hats as a business owner and town official. He started HT Glass and Mirror in 1973 with side ventures such as a bike shop, a fitness center and laundromat. Tom had a quick wit and truly enjoyed coffee with the guys even though he was outnumbered by the Republicans which resulted in some lively debates. Tom was a town supervisor for many years and did his best to promote and build Minocqua into a vibrant community. He was a member of the Minocqua Lions Club and Jaycee’s. He was an avid hunter and golfer. He also enjoyed fishing on his boat in Florida. Tom spent his coffee hour in Florida at the “Table of Knowlege” solving many of the world problems before 8:00am. He and Jan were blessed to spend 30 winters in Florida surrounded by a great number of close friends from across the U.S. Tom and Jan’s retirement years revolved around their kids and grandchildren. Every opportunity to see a concert, sporting event, play or other school/church event was never missed. Sunny summer and fall days were spent at their home in Minocqua on the lake and no one missed Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma’s. Tom was quick to provide advice to all his grandkids whether they asked for it or not and shared “questionable” life experiences that were always entertaining. Tom was always one to speak his mind regardless of who was within earshot and was usually right. Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Willy and Dan and his wife, Janet. He is survived by his children, Kim (Bob) Christensen of Wausau, Hal (Gail) Yelton of Minocqua, Jackie (Paul) Duerst of Manitowish Waters, Chris (Robert) Garcia of Hazelhurst, grandchildren Brent, Megan, Luke, Jake, Laurel, Stephen, Drew, Lauren, Logan, Nick, Nikolai, Hanna, Jack and Georgia and 13 great grandchildren and his blond four-legged companion, Kate. Tom greatly appreciated his many neighbors and friends in Wisconsin and Florida. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am with a service at 11:00 on Friday, December 16th at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua. Lunch will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, all monetary gifts will be distributed to local charities including Lakeland Swim Club Scholarship Fund.

Howard Thomas Yelton

April 7, 1934 - December 7, 2022