Blanche "Wendy" Ann Yourczek of Angora, MN passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday July 3rd, 2021 at the age of 87.

Wendy was born and raised in San Pedro, California.  After graduating from San Pedro High School she enlisted in the Navy where she met her husband, Jerry, while both stationed in San Diego. Wendy left the service after seven years to start their family. They eventually moved to Jerry's home state of Minnesota, where they raised their eight children on a farm in Alango. Over the years, Wendy worked in many positions for the local schools, including boiler maintenance, cook, and school bus driver as well as working for the USDA. However, her main "job" was always taking care of her family.

Wendy was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Alango and dearly cared for her "church family." She spent countless hours in the church kitchen and took special care to decorate the basement for each season and event. She was a proud Navy veteran, taking part in the Northland Honor Flight and the local NE MN Women Veterans group, as well as contributing to a number of causes to support women veterans and memorials.

Wendy had a special love of pets, particularly dogs and the farm cattle. She delighted in the warm summertime when she could transform her yards into beautiful gardens. She enjoyed swimming, going to the beach, listening to loons, and spending time in tranquility and peace on the dock at her Lake Leander cabin. Wendy loved to travel and experience new places, which led to numerous cross country road trips with a whole station wagon full of kids. She was an avid Vikings and Twins fan (despite the mostly constant disappointment) and attended many live games. Wendy was known for her impeccable sense of style and her great taste in high heeled shoes. She was an amazing mother, a loyal friend and a valued member of the community. Wendy will be greatly missed.

Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Mason Shaw and Helen Williams, and her husband, Gerald "Jerry" Yourczek. She is survived by her children; Dennis (Nell) Yourczek, Martin Yourczek, Vicki Ollestad, Sheri Yourczek, Gerald Yourczek II, Ashley (Erick) Lappi, Chester Yourczek, and Desiree Yourczek, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved dogs Bailey & Ruby and her cat, Fred.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 1:00PM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the VFW, Cook, MN. In lieu of cut flowers, Wendy loved live plants and flowers. Memorials to: Contented Critters Animal Shelter; K9's for Warriors (service dogs for Veterans); Masonic Cancer Center. To leave on online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com