Yvonne Marie Tigges

Yvonne Marie Weller Tigges, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home on November 18, 2025. Born in Wadena County, MN, Yvonne was the cherished first daughter and the second oldest of seven children born to Barbara and Edward Weller. She spent her early years on her family’s small farm in Bluffton, MN, and graduated from Wadena High School in 1954, beginning her career in banking shortly thereafter. In May 1958, Yvonne married John Tigges, and they settled in Wadena, where they raised their family. Their son Jeff was born in 1959, followed by daughters Tammy in 1961, Terri in 1962, and Dan in 1965. After a brief move to Crookston, MN, the family established their lifelong home on Long Lake in 1967. Once her children were in school, Yvonne returned to work, dedicating most of her career to First National Bank. After retiring, she took on various roles, including serving on the township board, hostessing at Lakeside 1891, and volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital. Yvonne is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, John Tigges; their son Jeff (Carol) of Battle Lake; daughters Tammy Olson (Jeff) of Baxter and Terri Sims (Carl Hutt) of Perham; and seven grandchildren: Jenny Schumacher (Brian), Emily Walters (Derek), Michelle Towey (Brad), Andrew Sims (Carly Krippner), Joe Tigges (Teresa Nguyen), Tyler Sims (Nikki), and Christian Tigges (Sarah) and Lexi. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, and siblings Tom Weller (Barb), Bruce Weller (Joyce), Cathy Woods (Woody), and Jim Weller (Bernice).

Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, brother Ron, sister Mary Jane Mallow, and son Dan, who passed away on January 6, 2021. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Yvonne celebrated the weddings and births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with immense pride. She cherished her family and their life by the lake, enjoying sunny days, tending her flowers, playing bridge, and weekly trips to the casino. In 2023, Yvonne and John moved to Lincoln Park Senior Apartments, where she continued to live vibrantly, defying her ovarian cancer diagnosis from 2022 and exceeding her medical team’s expectations. In her final years, she traveled to soak up the sun and spend precious time with her family, most recently in October, where she and John were surprise guests at Christian and Sarah’s wedding in Portland, OR. She joyfully welcomed many visits from loved ones, including her siblings and extended family members-we thank you all for making her final weeks so happy.