Colin Yennie

Colin Robert Yennie, 80, of Oronoco, passed away on February 12, 2025. Born on November 1, 1944, in Goodhue County to Mildred (Stiller) and Edwin Yennie. Colin graduated from Pine Island High School in 1962 before attending Dunwoody Institute, where he completed the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program in 1964. On May 24, 1965, he married Karen Ellingson, and together they built a life full of love, family, and shared passions. Throughout their years, they lived in Jackson, Kasson, Rochester, and Oronoco, but Colin's favorite place remained his cabin up north on the lake.

He started his career in Jackson at Hample Refrigeration and Prescher Electric in Kasson. He also taught Building Utility Maintenance at the Rochester Vocational Technical School. He then dedicated 43 years of service to Mayo Clinic, starting in the plumbing shop and later formed the maintenance night crew. Colin's career expanded as he became a manager of Facilities and Operations, contributing his expertise to the conveyance systems, incinerator facility, and the biomedical safety committee.

In the 1990s, Colin developed a passion for collecting insulators and was the president of the North Western Insulator Club until his death. A devoted Vikings and Twins fan, he also enjoyed fishing, pontoon rides on Gull Lake, and trips to Cabo San Lucas, along with his love for his many pets.

Colin is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Karen; daughters Louise (Jeffrey) Wacaser and Lea Anne (Rich) Frey; grandchildren Madison and Walter Wacaser, Meredith and Andrew Frey; brother Kert (Cheri) Yennie; sister Evon (Pete) Bushman; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth (Paul) Gaarder, infant brother Michael, and stepfather Charles Frederick Jr.

Visitation will take place at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, from 3-5pm on Sunday, March 16, 2025, and also one hour prior to services at the church. Services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Avenue SE, Rochester, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gift of Life Transplant House or Paws and Claws.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Yennie family.