Yvonne Norell Leider, age 86, passed away peacefully in her home while surrounded by family on August 3, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and more recently cancer.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Markesan United Methodist Church, 75 E. Catherine St., Markesan. The family will greet friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church .

Yvonne always made everyone feel welcome and appreciated.  She was born July 6, 1932, the youngest of six children on a farm in Comfrey, Minnesota to Edward Norell and S. Elida (Bredvold). Yvonne learned to play the piano as a child and continued filling the world with beautiful music for most of her life. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a teaching degree from Macalester College in Minnesota. She used her degree to get her first teaching job as an elementary school teacher in Wells, MN.  It was there she met Don Leider, her future husband of 62 years, in 1954 and they wed on June 9, 1956.

After raising her own children, Yvonne was one of the founders and first teachers at the Sunshine Nursery School in Markesan, WI, which is still in operation today. She has been able to share her love and devotion to young children with her many grandchildren and recently, her first great-grandchild. She was a long time member and supporter of the United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving on many committees over the years. She and husband Don were also instrumental in starting and working at the popular Markesan Historical Museum.

Left to honor Yvonne's life and remember her love are her husband Don, her three children Joel (Pam Scott), Nathan (Celeste), and Mary Beth (Brian) Haas; seven grandchildren, Alexandria (Edward) Krzmarzick, Curtis (Tamara) Leider, Barrett Leider, Drew Leider, Corinne Haas, Tanner Haas, Trenton Haas; one great grandchild Finley; and many nieces and nephews. Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Glenn, John, and Bill, and sisters Grace and Avis.

Yvonne will always be remembered as a kind, caring, and compassionate teacher, mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Angela Roloff for her devotion to and loving care of Yvonne as well as Hospice Hope Green Lake for making her last days peaceful and comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in remembrance of Yvonne to the Sunshine Nursery School, PO Box 145, Markesan, WI 53946.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.