Myrtle "Mert" Yanske

Myrtle “Mert” Yanske passed away peacefully at Norseland Nursing Home on Thursday, April 2, 2026.   Myrtle was born on March 19th, 1933, to Hilmer and Laida (Holen) Hooverson.  She married Paul Yanske on September 16,1951, at the Bethel Church in rural Viroqua.

Myrtle was a hard worker and caring family person. Her and Paul opened their home to numerous foster kids and family members. She worked seasonally at the Viroqua Tobacco warehouse. At home she raised a huge garden, acres of tobacco and many feet of tobacco beds. She was self-employed doing painting, wallpapering and decorating. She loved country music and was an avid dancer at the Country Jams. She enjoyed her garden and flowers in the summer and She loved her gambling trips to the boat. Myrtle was devoted to her family and will always be remembered for her cookies, homemade donuts, her chicken and noodles and lefsa.

Myrtle is survived by her children, Debra (Rick) Haun and Jim (Kay) Yanske of Viroqua; and foster son Stephen (Shelley) Peterson of Colorado Springs; grandchildren: Tracy (Chad) Thelen, Kyle Nelson, Kaila (Jason Devine) Langrehr, Amanda (Blake) DeVries, McKenzie (Dustin) Stoen & Diedre (Drew VanOverbeke) Yanske; 9 great grandchildren with one on the way; and 3 great great grandchildren; and many special nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and very special friend, Howard Sheldon.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; son Allen; foster daughter Stephanie Peterson; sisters: Helen Bakkom, Mildred Zitzner, Jane Thompson, Stella Sheldon, Matilda Fortun, Selma Froiseth, Harriet Briggson, and ½ sister Hazel Gabrielson;  brothers: Clifford, Otis, Raymond, Marvin, Selmer, Kenneth, and ½ brother Clarence.

Family extends a special thanks to the staff at Norseland Nursing Home and St Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Myrtle.

A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Viroqua Cemetery and will be followed by a Celebration of Myrtle's Life at Gassers Bar and Grill from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given in Myrtle’s memory to the Eagles Cancer telethon or the Norseland Activity department.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.