Gerane A.

(Hartwig) Yandre

Gerane Ann Yandre of Lake Mills passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the age of 91, while being lovingly cared for at the Rainbow Hospice IPC center in Johnson Creek. She was surrounded by love as her family shared heartfelt stories of being raised by a strong, loving and a bit sassy mother who is cherished by all who know her.

Gerane was born on September 6, 1934 in Lake Mills, WI to William R. and Ruth M. (Koplin) Hartwig Sr.  She was a life-long resident of Lake Mills, where she attended the Moravian Church and was a 1953 graduate from the Lake Mills High School.

Gerane began her working career behind the candy counter at the Lake Mills movie theatre, where movie tickets were only a dime.  Moe Brothers Lighting in Fort Atkinson was her next  employment endeavor as their secretary.  From there, often working a full and parttime job, she worked for Jones Dairy Farm, Hamlin, Pier 4, Pine Knoll, and eventually retired from Geiger Brickel. In her early years, she enjoyed golfing, playing shortstop in the Lake Mills City Softball League and was a Bartel's Beach swim instructor. She was a natural athlete both on the softball field and in the water. Gerane also took ballet lessons at the Mary Vandas School of Dance, and often helped behind the scenes with the children's ballet recitals. Playing cards was always a favorite way of spending time with her friends, and especially her family. Whether it was Wednesday night bridge club, canasta, or teaching her kids and grandkids the finesse of playing cribbage or euchre. With that competitive spirit, she won more times than not; always with a smile on her face and 'beat me if you can' laugh!

Just a few years out of high school, Gerane met the love of her life, John Yandre. They were married on June 22, 1957 at the Lake Mills Moravian Church. Shortly after, they were blessed with four children: Craig, Terry, David, and Julie. Life took a turn on June 7, 1966 with the unfortunate and early passing of her husband, John. Gerane's sole focus was raising her children and providing a loving home. With her kitchen truly being the heart of her home, she served up countless cups of coffee, glasses of wine and loved endless conversations with family and friends. There was always a place for you to sit in her kitchen.

Gerane is survived by her children: Craig (Brenda) Yandre, Black Hawk S.D., Terry (Denise) Yandre, David (Susie) Yandre, Julie (Stewart) Masche and a sister Karen Kisow, all of Lake Mills. She is further survived by her grandchildren whom she loved deeply: Dianna Swingen, Zachary (Alisha) Roberts, Joilyn Yandre, Jacob (Cassandra) Yandre, John Yandre and Kristopher (Elizabeth) Yandre. Great grandchildren: Xander Swingen, Kayla Klitz, Ava Jablonski and Owen Roberts. Great-granddaughter: Madelyn Swingen. And many more nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by Husband: John C. Yandre, parents: William Sr.and Ruth Hartwig, Siblings: Nancy (Don) Hein, Janet Hartwig, Mary (Cliff) Jensen, William (Dorothy) Hartwig Jr. and brother-in-law: Ken Kisow.

A graveside service will be held at the Rock Lake Cemetery on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 with Hospice Pastor Mike Brown presiding. Following the service, Gerane's Celebration of Life will be at the Lake Mills American Legion Post 67 from noon-3:00.

We will forever be grateful for the kindness, care, respect, and love that the staff of Rainbow Hospice showed mom throughout her time with them. And a special thank you to Sharon, for being much more than a caretaker, you blessed mom and our home with your love, faith and friendship. Juniper visits were always a bonus. She loved all of you and it brought her joy treating you like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Rainbow Hospice Care or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com