Delbert E. Yaroch

Delbert "Del" E. Yaroch, age 79 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Del was born on February 5, 1947, in Beaver Dam, the son of Elroy and Della (Leistiko) Yaroch. He grew up in Doylestown and was a 1965 graduate of Rio High School, where he participated in FFA and enjoyed playing basketball. On February 8, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sandra Wetlaufer in Rio, Wisconsin.

Del proudly served six years in the Wisconsin National Guard as an infantryman and drill instructor and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). After high school, he spent a short time working the night shift at Kraft Foods in Beaver Dam before becoming a telephone lineman at Wisconsin Bell. In 1968, he joined the Village of Rio Police Department as a Police Officer and was promoted to Police Chief in 1971. In 1974, he continued his commitment to public service by joining the Beaver Dam Fire Department as an EMT, Driver and Fire Inspector. He went on to serve as Deputy Chief and in 1992 he was appointed Fire Chief, a role he held until his retirement in 2006. He approached every call—whether saving lives or fighting fires—with great pride. As Chief, he led with steady commitment and care. Upon retiring, he said he really enjoyed hosting fire‑safety programs for children at local elementary schools and he was grateful for the people he served alongside and for the opportunity to serve the City of Beaver Dam for 32 years.

Throughout his life, Del dedicated his time and leadership to professional associations, veterans’ organizations, civic groups, and local government. He was a past president of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association, Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association, Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses (40 & 8), and served as Commander of the local Civil Air Patrol squadron. In retirement, he served as Post Commander of AMVETS (Post 33) in Beaver Dam and helped create the Beaver Dam Veterans Memorial Park, where he will be laid to rest. He also served as Commander of the American Legion (Post 146) in Beaver Dam, where he helped with the expansion of the Veterans Center and was a proud member of the honor guard. Del served on numerous committees both at the local and county levels, acting as an election canvasser, and he was elected to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors.

Beyond his public service, Del was a caring husband and loving father. He enjoyed model railroading, model building, fishing, motorcycling, muscle cars, and was an avid collector. He was also an accomplished sign painter, hand-painting signs, fire trucks, commercial vehicles, and buildings. Del was a giving man and always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help. He loved to crack jokes and was always ready with a story. He took great pride in working with his hands—making repairs, building things—and even helped construct a church in Lima, Peru. When he wasn’t busy with other things, you could find him volunteering as a playground monitor, mentor, and field trip chaperone at Jefferson School.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Wetlaufer) Yaroch; his children, James (Tracey) Yaroch of Beaver Dam, Christopher (Katie) Yaroch of New London, Benjamin (Anne) Yaroch of Madison, Paul (Michelle) Yaroch of Beaver Dam, Elyse Yaroch of Beaver Dam, Maison (Josh Austin) Yaroch of Beaver Dam, and Isaiah “Ike” Yaroch of Stevens Point; his siblings, Randall Yaroch, Susan Derr, and Douglas (Alice) Yaroch; 7 grand children (Avery, Wesley, Riley, Haylie, Carter, Samuel, and Lily); and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and other relatives.

Visitation for Del will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Gideon Wamala officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Military honors for Del will be provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 at the funeral home prior to burial. The family asks everyone to come in casual attire, as Del would have wanted.