JoAnn Evelyn Yaggy of Rochester, MN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
JoAnn held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
JoAnn Evelyn Yaggy, age 87, passed away peacefully and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 29th, 2026. She was born in West Liberty, Iowa on July 23rd, 1938, to Edward and Ione "Burr" Waite. JoAnn graduated from West Liberty High in 1956. She then went to the school of cosmetology in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduating in 1957. While in school, she met Ronald Yaggy and they were married on September 15, 1957, at First Methodist church in West Liberty, IA. Together they were blessed with two sons, Steven and Timothy. Ron and JoAnn were later divorced but remained in touch.
JoAnn was the ultimate example of living out her Christian faith. Her strong faith and prayers were felt by everyone around her. Her faith was her anchor. In quiet moments and difficult times, she turned to it with calm trust that inspired everyone around her. She taught us by example what it means to live with grace, humility and compassion.
JoAnn's faith kept her active in many activities in the Christian community from volunteering at church, going on several mission trips, teaching Sunday school and dozens of other volunteer opportunities. One of the highlights came when she and some friends took their time, talent and financial resources and built a new church in a rural community north of Rochester.
Her working career touched many lives as well. From running a part time beauty parlor in our home, to being a teachers aid and finally her many roles at Mayo Clinic. She was a patient services chairman, auxilian and helped open the Erickson Hair and Skin Care Center as its managing director helping thousands of men and women look beautiful again after surgery, car accidents and chemo.
Family was her greatest joy here on earth. Her love for her kids and grandkids was unwavering. She never missed a sporting event and celebrated every milestone no matter how big or small and although Steve and Jordan's racing made her a little nervous, she was always there.
Even in retirement she continued knitting countless baby blankets and stocking caps for donations to Mayo Clinic.
We will hold close the lessons she taught us: to love generously, forgive freely and to hold onto faith no matter what. We will miss her deeply, remember her always and honor her by loving one another the way she so beautifully loved us.
JoAnn was survived by her son Steve (Carol) Yaggy, grandson Jordan (Jillian) Yaggy, granddaughter Kristin (Ben) Fritz, great grandchildren Henrik and Jovie Yaggy and Dutton and Briggs Fritz. Her sister Peggy Waite and brother Curt and Cheryl Waite.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and her son Timothy.
A Funeral Service and Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8th from 4pm-7pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial to follow in Nora Springs, IA.
Donations in JoAnn's honor can be made to Erickson Hair and Skin Care Center at Mayo Clinic.
Special thanks to River Bend assisted living, Mayo nurses (Heather Bartell) and assistants and Seasons Hospice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Macken Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of JoAnn E. Yaggy.
