Emma Yadro, age 94, joined her husband of 70 years and lifelong soulmate, Nick Yadro, on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016. She peacefully passed away at her home in Eagle River, surrounded by family members.
Emma was born in Eagle River, Dec. 1, 1922, to Matt and Helen Tuss.
Emma was raised on, and was an integral part of maintaining the Tuss family farm throughout her life until “Gramma Tuss” passed away. She was the consummate caregiver who provided both physical and spiritual needs to family, neighbors, and friends, her entire life.
Family was the most important element of her life, especially her beloved Nick, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She was the ultimate matriarch, teaching everyone the right way (her way), to do things, be it cooking, sewing or splitting wood. Everyone would listen intently to her direction, respected her wisdom, and complied with her wishes.
She was an avid seamstress and quilt maker. Potholders were made from fabric scraps so nothing was wasted, and given away to anyone who stopped for a visit. Dozens of quilts adorn the beds and couches of her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.
She also enjoyed gardening, berry picking, and the outdoors, most notably spending time at the family cottage on Anvil Lake.
Her pantry shelves were always stocked with home- canned fruits and vegetables. When game was harvested for the family, it was Emma who would filet the fish and process the venison for the freezer and frying pan.
Baking and home cooking were other passions. The cookie jar was always full to offer family and guests while visiting. Many have tried, but no one can replicate her breads, pies, cakes, “squish rolls” and “povitica” (Christmas nut roll pastry). The aroma of garlic and onions adorned her kitchen while preparing meals on her 60+- year-old Dutch oven stove.
Her Croatian heritage, farming and homemaker skills were shared with many as a 4-H teacher and lifetime exhibitor at the Vilas County Fair.
She was a lifelong active member and volunteer at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, preparing meals for funeral lunches, baking communion bread, sewing wall hangings and altar cloths, and helping with charitable activities.
She was a longtime volunteer as a county census taker with the local school system and worked at the town of Lincoln elections until age 90.
She played cards with friends regularly at the Kalmar Senior Center and was an active member of the local Red Hat Club.
Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Nick; her parents; her brother, Joe; her sister, Helen; her daughter, Jeanette Hahn; and various other family members.
She is survived by her children, John (Sue) of Middleton Wis., Peg (Dave) of Oregon, Wis., and David (Cathy) of Wausau, Wis.; son-in-law, Phil of Three Lakes, Wis.; grandchildren, Phil (Bevin), Jean Marie, Trenton (Kendra), Andy (Amanda), Dustin (Hannah), Katie and Christian; five great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at noon at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Eagle River. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
PAID OBITUARY
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