Edythe Yokem-Stapelman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend, Edythe Yokem-Stapelman. She passed peacefully at home 5pm Monday, October 18, 2010. She had bravely struggled during the last 6 months with 5 serious operations, infection and cancer. Her final request was to go home and be surrounded by her loving family.

Edy was born May 30, in Tagus, North Dakota. She was a jack-of-all-trades and in her own words “graduated from the school of hard knocks.” She worked hard at everything she did including being a photo re-toucher and painter in a photography studio, postal clerk, school cafeteria worker and motel interim manager.

She married Ray Yokem and happily had one son with him, Brice. She was a strong, supportive farmer’s wife until Ray died in 1993. She remarried in 1996 to Richard Stapelman who she referred to as her ripe dandelion with his nice white hair. With her remarriage to Richard, she inherited his large family of six children and their families. All of whom, Edy joyfully and warmly embraced as her own. She kept up a lively and regular correspondence with all her family and friends and rarely ever missed a birthday or holiday greeting. Edy was a great dancer and loved her role as senior center coordinator. Besides dancing she regularly played cards with dear friends or went to see the Big Bands play at the Senior Center.

She is survived by her husband Richard Stapelman and his six children and their families, only son Brice Yokem, her sister Edna and her family, including her niece, Vicky.