Obituaries

Yolanda "Yo-Yo" "Grandma Bru" Dean Brubaker, 77, Wausau, WI

You may have seen Yolanda in Wausau traveling from the library toting books, walking a Boston Terrier, or returning from a concert while carrying bags and purses holding all sorts of her personal treasures. She was a fixture in Wausau for over fifty years. Her life may have seemed simple to some, but she was content and like anyone, she had dreams. Yolanda dreams included owning her own log home or winning the lottery so she could buy houses for all her children to live near her. Most of all, in Yolanda's thoughts and dreams were her children and grandchildren. Her daughters were with her at her side, July 9th, when she peacefully returned home to Jesus after a five month struggle with cancer.

Yolanda attended Bethany Junior College (Minnesota) and Concordia in Illinois where she earned a teaching degree. She taught elementary school at Zion Lutheran in Wausau, WI and was a veteran in the armed services. She was very proud of the medal she received for being soldier of the month in the Army and her life-long friends Dorcas and Colene.

At 26 Yolanda married Michael Brubaker (now deceased) in a small ceremony at St. Peters Lutheran Church. Although the marriage did not work out permanently, there was no one else who stole her heart like Mike had done and she never dated or remarried again. Yolanda and Mike shared a love for animals, laughter, and their children.

Yolanda had a real passion for knitting. Hats and mittens created by her still keep her family warm. Her collection of needles, yarn, and patterns were a point of pride in her life. She had a special affection for dogs (especially Boston Terriers). Mindy (a gift from her children) shared her life for over seven years and Smokey (her grandson's dog) spent long hours visiting her apartment. Many times she would roll her eyes watching her own children and grandchildren fawn over their own pets, but she knew their deep love for animals came from her.

Yolanda is survived by her children Sandra Brubaker (Madison, WI), Susan Brubaker-Liberman (Dousman, WI) and Scott Brubaker (Wausau, WI). She also has four grandchildren Anthony Felix, Tristina Farmer, Reann Felix, and Emily Brubaker as well as one great-grandchild Elijah Felix. Because of passing her love for animals along to her family she is a grandma to many creatures. Her grand dogs include Edgar Beasley, Jenny Lou, Forrest Grump, and Sugar Bear. She also has great-grand dogs named Nina and Smokey. She has one grand cat named and one great-grand cat Mella.

The immediate family had a private ceremony laughing, sharing, and celebrating memories together. To honor Yolanda, the family will be making a donation to the Humane Society of Marathon County. If you would like to contribute to the donation see address below. Her son will be honoring her memory by making a donation to Focus on the Family.

Humane Society of Marathon County c/o Yolanda Brubaker
7001 Packer Drive
Wausau, WI
focusonthefamily.com

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com