Yvonne M. Gurholt

"I Love to Tell the Story"

Yvonne Gurholt finished her final earthly story on December 4, 2025, before she joined the celestial choirs of heaven, the warm embrace of her husband John, and a multitude of loved ones. She left this world as she entered it, with unmatched love and grace. Her 96+ years were filled with joyful living and endless giving. Yvonne loved people and Jesus with every beat of her heart.

Born in her grandparents' farmhouse during a blizzard on February 17, 1929, Yvonne Marie Jacobson entered the world with the help of a kind neighbor who walked across a wintry field to assist with her arrival. This story set the stage for Yvonne's life, for even her early years were marked with innate kindness. At age seven, she shone brightly as an angel in the balcony of her school's gymnasium for a Christmas pageant, and from that day forward, she was destined to be an angel for all who knew her. The smile she radiated on that special evening became one of the endearing features that immediately captured hearts. Yvonne's childhood in the proud Norwegian village of Iola, Wi, featured countless adventures and a lasting spirit of togetherness. Her parents Olga and Ernest Jacobson instilled in her a strong work ethic and passion for being ultra social and helping those in need. She listened with her parents to President FDR's fireside chats during the Great Depression, and those talks inspired a lifetime of good deeds, perseverance, and compassion for others. Her stories of lessons learned at church and school all reflected simple joys undimmed by countless retellings! With keen observation, she wrote in spiral notebooks her zeal in sledding down Hogshead Hill, swimming in the Iola pond, leading summer camps as waterfront director at Sunset Lake, serving pie and ice cream at Crystal Café, riding in a horse- drawn cutter to Confirmation class in the country, and camping with friends in Luther League to name a few. Yvonne celebrated every day with wonder and gratitude, and her stories grew to be legendary as years rolled by.

Yvonne met her future husband John in fifth grade when he moved from his family's farm to town, and from the first day of school until John's death in 2016, they were a match made in heaven. After graduating from UW Stevens Point in 1950, they married and landed their first teaching jobs in Bruce, Wi. In 1954, Yvonne made her home with John in Appleton, Wi, where they became loving parents to Jack, Kris, Dave and Phil. Yvonne was the hub of their home, and her high energy and devotion to family thrived in the midst of constant activity. Every morning, she would greet her kids with "Rise and Shine" as she pulled their bedroom shades open. "Oh, what a beautiful morning!" often followed. Yvonne exuded practicality and common sense with thoughtful charm. She washed and ironed hundreds of sports uniforms and avidly cheered on her children at every sporting event. Birthdays always meant extra special parties with games, surprises, and homemade cakes. Her selfless love became the centerpiece of a warm, stable haven for family and visitors. She welcomed everyone with enthusiasm and shared her unique gift of making each feel like the most important person in the world.

Yvonne was both Mary and Martha from The Bible: she set an impeccable dinner table with delicious food while she relished talking, listening, and learning more about her guests. To have a front row seat watching Yvonne in action was uplifting. She juggled roles of mom, wife, volunteer at church and community, friend, teacher, and later, grandmother with natural ease and blessed assurance. Yvonne was never too tired or too busy to help, and she loved being a part of something larger than herself. Among her favorite contributions were teaching Sunday School, leading WELCA at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church as President, Driving for Fish, serving meals for Salvation Army and Pillars, coordinating funeral luncheons, canvassing for elections, hosting ABC students, and being a founding member of Sons of Norway (a country she visited twice). Bible Study groups, coffee klatches, and swim classes spanned many decades and cemented loyal friendships. Yvonne was most comfortable as a team player, a vivacious and humble servant, an eternal optimist who found good in just about everything and everyone.

In later years, Yvonne followed every part of her seven grandchildren's lives with pride and excitement. All agree "Grandma" was one of their greatest supporters, and when they open their hearts to others to make a positive difference, they are inspired by her. They saw her strength and acceptance almost ten years ago, when she lost her son Dave and husband John within two months of each other. In the past five years, they watched her weather serious health setbacks (including a broken neck and two bouts of sepsis) only to bounce back and witness four of her grandchildren's marriages, her youngest grandchild graduate from high school and begin college tennis, over four years of her first great-grandson's life, and the news of her great-granddaughter's arrival in the spring. Her combination of gusto and grace is rare. Yvonne's presence during these bonus years produced many "Wows" in her folksy, expressive voice. She remained the wholly admired and loved matriarch of her family, and she looked to the future with hope.

Yvonne spent the last eleven months of her life at The Heritage Senior Living Community where her light still shined brightly, and her compliments still oozed with genuineness even as her body ached and memory at times flickered. When not taking part in every activity at the community, she would often be found reading her Bible or paging through family photo albums. After a fall and hospitalization, Yvonne's three days in hospice were a testament to the love she shared so generously with others. The beautiful music, comforting words of thanks from friends and family, and soothing care given by Compassus Hospice and Heritage staff gave Yvonne the most touching sendoff to heaven: a treasure for her and her family.

When asked a short time before she died what advice she could offer her family, she shared her three top wishes: "Remember God is always with you, and no matter how difficult life might seem, you will get through it if you trust and have faith. Next, make your home open to anyone who needs a welcoming and safe place to be, as your dad and I did. Finally, stay close to each other."

Yvonne Gurholt was "a friend to all" for all seasons, and even as she neared 97 years old (Feb. 17, 2026), her eyes sparkled with childlike wonder at the beauty of each season. On car rides, she marveled at the changing horizon and all of God's creatures. She beamed as she watched the geese linger and then grew wistful at their leaving for the winter. She seemed to know it might be her last autumn here on earth, but she smiled because she knew where her next home would be. Always kind and giving, Yvonne Gurholt was joy personified. The seven- year- old angel in the Christmas pageant who gave her heart to "all of us" is now an angel in heaven with stories to tell forevermore. Remember her this Christmas and smile!

Yvonne is survived by her eternally thankful children, Jack (Patty) Gurholt; Kristin Gurholt; and Philip (Melissa) Gurholt; grandchildren Jeremy Gurholt; Whitney {Mike) Hanna; Natalie (Jake) Franke; John (Samantha Burg) Gurholt; Jason ( Lexi Landgraff) Gurholt; Samuel (Kendra) Gurholt; and Julia Gurholt; and great-grandson Jordan Hanna. Yvonne joins her husband John, son David, infant son, parents Olga and Ernest Jacobson, sister Helen, and many loved ones in heaven. Her family will miss her beyond measure, but the measure of her goodness will inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves, be kind to others, and live with joy!

Yvonne's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2330 E. Calumet Street, Appleton 54915. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. followed by the church service at 11:00 a.m. Yvonne loved celebrations, church worship, social occasions, and hosting a party with good food, so please plan to "just sit for a minute and have something to eat" at a lunch in Yvonne's honor following the service in the church dining room. Her favorite quote was "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Pillars Adult Shelter.