JAMES WESLEY YERINGTON

James Wesley Yerington, 85, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at Lutheran Living Senior Campus, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on August 4, 1939, in Muscatine, James was the beloved son of the late Charles and Gertrude Yerington. A lifelong resident of Muscatine, James was known for his quiet strength, sense of humor, and deep devotion to family and faith.

James dedicated 35 years of his career to Kent Feeds, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 1997. His strong work ethic and kind demeanor earned the respect of all who worked with him.

Outside of work, James found joy in simple pleasures—fishing local waters, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He especially enjoyed days spent playing bingo at Lutheran Living and trips to the casino with his wife, Rosalee.

A devout member of Saint Mary Mathias Catholic Church, James embodied a spirit of service and compassion.

On January 16, 1981, James married the love of his life, Rosalee Yerington. Together, they shared over 40 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and a deep faith in God. Rosalee preceded him in death on April 29, 2025.

James was one of seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Francis Yerington, John William Yerington, Charles Yerington, and Leo Edward Yerington, as well as his sisters, Kathleen Yerington Brockert and Gertrude P. Yerington. He was also preceded in death by his children, James Yerington, Pamela Jo Yerington (1977), Joseph Yerington (stillborn), and by his son-in-law, Jess Spitznogle.

He is survived by his children, Deborah “Deb” Goddard and her husband, Gene Goddard, of Letts, Kathy Zaehringer of Muscatine, John Yerington and his wife, Jane Yerington, of Muscatine, Ronda Brown and her fiancée, Craig Lewis, of Muscatine, and Randall Welsch and his wife, Barbara, of Muscatine; Daughter-in-law, Kellie Yerington, widow of James Yerington. James was a proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. His legacy of love, kindness, and faith lives on in each of them.

James will be remembered for his steadfast love, generous spirit, and the quiet example he set for all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kathy to help with the purchase of a headstone. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Graveside Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. Father Isaac Doucette will officiate the Graveside Service. Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.