Barbara Jean Yellen

Barbara Jean Yellen of Port Washington passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee at the age of 82.

She was born the beloved daughter of Irvin and Marion (Adelmeyer) Wuenne in Wausau, Wis., on Jan. 12, 1944.

Barb was united in marriage to Mark Yellen on Nov. 2, 1963, and together they raised four children.

Barb found great joy in traveling, playing bunco with friends, bowling and taking drives to look at Lake Michigan with her McDonald’s Diet Coke. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family, and she especially enjoyed taking vacations in Door County with them. Her love for her family was evident to all who knew her. 

Professionally, Barb built a career as an accounting clerk at Tecumseh, where she managed accounts payable and payroll. 

She also dedicated her time to creating teams for the Milwaukee Kickers and dispersed uniforms. Over the years, Barb volunteered at Riveredge Nature Center taking care of and raising sturgeon. 

Beyond her work, she was especially proud of her granddaughters Madison and Payton. Whether she was attending their dance recitals, softball, basketball and volleyball games or just checking in, she will be remembered for being there and being proud.  Her kindness, compassion, strength and witty demeanor will live on forever. 

Barb’s memory will be cherished by those who knew her best. She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Raymond) Koopman and Mark (Donna) Yellen, grandchildren Madison (fiance Colin Mueller) Yellen and Payton Yellen, brother Merle (special friend Geri) and her beloved cat Abbey Rose. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mark, children infant son Joseph Yellen, Kimberly Yellen and Christopher Yellen, mother and father-in-law Frank (Delores) Yellen and siblings Shirley Wuenne and Beverly Sarauer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Grafton, Wis

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Riveredge Nature Center, Saukville, or the Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus in Saukville.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.