Jon “Pete” S. Yeager, 79, of Pioneer passed away Wednesday morning at Community Health and Wellness Centers in Montpelier. He was born on September 19, 1940 in Lima, Ohio to John W. and Greta A (Snyder) Yeager.
Pete graduated from North Central High School in 1958. He married Joan “Joanie” C. Polenschat January 13,1962 in Cleveland and she preceded him in death.
Pete served his country in the United States Coast Guard enlisting in 1959. He was stationed at both Coast Guard stations, Lorain and Fairport Harbor, Ohio.
While he was known for his boat handling skills and responding to rescue calls, his most revered duty was that of lighthouse keeper. In the following years, his enthusiasm for the Coast Guard was unwavering.
Through his encouragement, he was proud to have seven family members enlist, serve and make careers in the Coast Guard.
In January of 1962 he married Joanie and after his Coast Guard enlistment, became a real estate appraiser in both Ohio and Indiana. He returned to Pioneer to work for his father in the family grocery business.
In 1973, Pete along with his brother-in-law David Votaw purchased the family business and operated it together for the next seven years.
Pete continued operating the store and using it as his platform for decades of loyal community service, and for helping many people get their start. In April of 2006 Pete retired as the owner of Yeager’s Market in Pioneer after 37 plus years.
After retiring, Pete and Joanie moved full time to Vermillion on the Lake, where they could be back on the water and in view of the lighthouse that he once kept.
He never slowed down and his community service continued by overseeing the historic Vermillion Club House and the many fish fry’s he became so fond of. He continued to make new friends and tried very hard to make things better wherever he was.
He loved the time living on Lake Erie, but in the end was determined to return to Pioneer, where he was surrounded by family and old friends-a place that was truly his home.
He was a member of the Pioneer American Legion Post 307 since 1985 and also served as the past president of the Pioneer Chamber of Commerce and the North Central School Board.
He is survived by his son John (Brenda) Yeager of Wrangell, Alaska; grandchildren Emily, Lauren, Michael, Connor and Brian; sisters Dorothy (Bruce) Ramsey of Greenville, South Carolina and Deb (Dave) Votaw of Pioneer; and brother Jim (Barbara) Yeager of Minden, Nevada and much loved nieces and nephews.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, John and Greta Yeager, wife Joanie, and son James “Jim” Scott Yeager.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 4 pm at Lake View United Brethren Church in Camden, Michigan with Pastor Ben Gladhill to officiate. A private graveside service will be held at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer with the Ninth Coast Guard District providing military honors with the assistance of the Pioneer Veterans.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824 or the Williams County Public Library- Pioneer branch, 106 E. Baubice Street, Pioneer, Ohio.
To send flowers to Jon “Pete” S. Yeager’s family, please visit our floral section.
11 Comments
Pete was a great man and glad to have known him from the community, always saying “Hi” with a smile on his face. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. RIP Pete.
John and family,
Condolences to all of you. What pride you must feel knowing that your dad contributed to his community in all that he tempted. Blessings and prayers for strength.
Mrs. Salisbury
John and family
We always thought a lot of Pete and how he always contributed to our community. I would like to send my condolences and you and your family are in our prayers.
Mark Chamberlain
Sorry for your loss, John and Brenda and family. Our condolences.
So sorry to hear of Pete passing. Lots of good memories of working for him at Yeager’s Market once upon a time!
Zoranda Lashaway (Zee)
What an amazing man and i can see he passed on his love for the water and dedication to community to you John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. let’s have a fish fry in Pete’s honor. Love to all, Alan and Leslie
John and family…Although words cannot begin to ease the sadness in your heart, but please know that you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I know you assuredly have very fond memories to help ease the pain.
Joan Ash
I will always have fond memories of Pete working behind the deli counter at Yeager’s IGA. He would always have a kind words to speak to my mom and I. I remember him inviting me over his house before I went to Air Force boot camp to talk about my future. He and Joanie were gracious hosts and his talk helped to settle my nerves before such a big change in my life. My condolences to his family. He was a great guy and much beloved. Rest In Peace.
The patriarch of an amazing family. Pete was a great guy and pillar of the community. He and Joanie were always so welcoming and were leaders by example. A true icon
The village of Pioneer lost an Icon…..Friend and supporter of Pioneer.
Have to say how many times I went to Pete asking for Donations for Bicycle Rodeos…..Summer Recreation program…..Baseball etc. His first words to me were ” How can I help “.
My Condolences to John and the family on the passing of a great man and friend. RIP
Pete was certainly a pillar of the community. His family was respected and always involved in many ways. Pioneer has lost an icon. Condolence to the people of Pioneer and to Pete’s family. He will always be remembered.