Iris Loreen Yersak

Iris Loreen (Plecker) Yersak, 84, passed away on January 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her three children.

Iris was born on August 8, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Lloyd and Marian (Fountain) Plecker. In 1952, the family moved to Florida, where Iris grew up. She graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1959. During her high school years, Iris was a Mariner Scout and passionate swimmer. Through scouting, she hiked the Appalachians and camped in the Colorado Rockies. These experiences shaped her awareness of nature and environmentalism. Inspired by these experiences and her Mariner Scout troop leader, she chose teaching as her life's work.

She graduated from Florida State University in 1963 with a B.S. degree in Education. On the same day she graduated from college, she also married, beginning a new chapter in her life. Iris began her career as a public elementary school teacher in Malden, Missouri. As she progressed in her career, she was asked to create and lead the school district's gifted and talented program - her most accomplished career moment. A devoted teacher and lifelong learner, she went on to complete her Master's degree in Education in 1996 from Southeast Missouri State University.

Whether in Malden or Warrensburg, she enjoyed playing Bridge, being active in social groups in the community, and church. She was affectionately known by some as "I" or "Big I". When asked where she was born, she would often reply "I was born in Iowa and grew up in Florida, so I have dirt under my fingers and sand between my toes". Those who knew Iris will remember her for her belief that everything and everyone could become something beautiful. And, above all, she believed in love.

A devoted mother, teacher, and lifelong learner whose quiet strength and generous spirit deeply impacted her children, family, friends, and students, she gave willingly and selflessly, always with her eyes on God. Iris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda (John) Pautler, Amy Yersak, and Keith (Shannon) Yersak; her sisters, Lois (Larry) Van der Heyden, Bette (Gary) Houzenga, and Sandra (Michael) O'Hara; her grandchildren, Hannah Pautler, Hope Yersak and Hope's daughter River Hall (great granddaughter), Luke Pautler, and John Yersak; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Memorial Service, open to all, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 141 E. Gay Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093. A private graveside ceremony, family members only, will take place immediately following the Memorial Service. A Celebration of Life for Iris, which is open to all, will take place at The Clubhouse at Sandstone Country Club, 77 NW Division Road, Warrensburg, MO 64093 between 1:00-3:00 pm on Monday, February 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the Arthritis Foundation or a preferred environmental organization of your choice.