University News
Karl E. Yard Obituary
March 13, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - Former Western Illinois University Facility Manager Karl E. Yard, 71, of LaHarpe, passed away on Sunday, March 9, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Yard was a jack of all trades. He had a 25-year professional career at WIU, owned and operated Yard Repair and farmed near LaHarper. He was a member of the LaHarpe Union Church, LaHarpe Masonic Lodge and Quincy Consistory. Yard was also a past member of the LaHarpe Lions Club and a volunteer with the LaHarpe Fire Department.
Beyond his time at WIU, Yard enjoyed a life of leisure. He spent his time golfing, hunting and fishing, traveling, attending air shows, boating and watching Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Yard, especially enjoyed when his grandchildren joined him in his many hobbies. He also enjoyed traveling with Leana Thompson, his wife, to Branson, Mexico and various wineries around the country.
Survivors include his wife, Leana; three sons: Jarrid (Rebecca) Yard of Gladstone, IL, Landon (Ashley) Yard of LaHarpe and Colby (Monica) Yard of Wataga, IL; two daughters: Michelle (Justin) Bramblett of Hannibal, Missouri and Teresa Hickey of Quincy, IL; thirteen grandchildren: Parker (McKenzie) Yard, Karrigan (Elvis) Bonilla, Erika Yard, Trey Peuster, Lexie Peuster, Jackson Shallenberger, Clayton Yard, Bexley Yard, Oakley Yard, Roman Yard, Haxtun Karl Yard, Harlow Hickey and Larkin Hickey; two great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Jet Yard; one nephew: Shane (Karen) Yard of Bloomington, IL and one niece: Amy (Jeff) Hager of Atlanta, GA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kent Yard.
A memorial fund has been established for the Union Church or LaHarpe Park District to benefit the LaMoine Valley Golf Course. To leave an online condolence for the family, visit Karl's obituary at banksandbeals.com/obituary/karl-yard.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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