Gene Arlen Yackley

Gene Yackley, age 54, of Canby, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at his home in Canby with his family at his side. Funeral services were held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Canby with Pastor Janet Colby officiating. Burial was at the Canby City Cemetery in Canby, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Gene Arlen Yackley was born on September 26, 1955 to parents Lester and Wilma (Sillman) Yackley in Canby, Minnesota. He graduated from Canby High School in 1974. He lived on family farm (Yackley Porky Acres) until graduating from college in 1975 from an Ag Business Program. He began working at Farmers Co-op Association in Canby and after 18 years there he became the Ag Manager. He worked for the Co-op for 35 years, when he retired on October 9, 2009. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2008. Gene was united in marriage to Jan Elizabeth Rhea on May 27, 1978. He then became a member of First Presbyterian Church. To this union they where blessed with two children, Allyson and Danny. Gene was later united in marriage to Sandra Kay Ireland on February 8, 2003 and he rejoined Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Sandy passed away on March 15, 2005. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Gene loved all sports, especially Twins Baseball. He played softball for almost 25 years and even coached girls. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, friends and family. He liked to camp, ride bike and golf. Grateful for having shared Gene's life are his two children, Allyson and Danny Yackley of Canby and their mother, Jan (Al) Precht of Canby; five brothers and sisters, Jeanette (David) Denelsbeck of Canby, Steven (Judy) Yackley of Canby, Darryl (Kaye) Yackley of Watertown, SD, Lyndon (Debbie) Yackley of Oakdale, MN, Lorie (Chuck) Hoffman of Porter; plus many nieces, nephews and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Wilma Yackley, wife Sandy Yackley, and one nephew Andrew Hoffman. Blessed be his memory.