Verlie "Lee" E. Yockey

Verlie Elaine (Miller) Yockey, 96, of Sioux City, Iowa, lived her dreams beyond what she expected. She was born a farm girl to John and Mary Miller on August 9, 1925, in Paullina Iowa. On Thursday, February 3, she joined her heavenly family. 

Being the 5th child out of 8 she learned to follow directions and take charge. Her growing years were busy with chores, studies, friendships, and basketball. She graduated from Cleghorn Public High School in 1942 and moved to Sioux City where she attended NBT Business College. From there she was employed as a bookkeeper at Walgreens where she met her beloved, William (Bill) Yockey. They were married August 25, 1946, and God blessed their union with 4 children. Verlie (Lee) was a dedicated homemaker. She provided a loving home and instilled a strong work ethic in her children. After her children were well established in school, Lee took continuing education classes at Morningside College and worked for the Iowa Department of Vocational Rehab as a secretary until she retired in 1991.

Church service attendance at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sioux City, was a priority for raising her children with a strong faith in God. Her participation there also included altar guild, Mr. and Mrs. Club, Circles, choir, and teaching Sunday School. Volunteering in service to others was a big part of her life. Bill and Lee gave many hours to several non-profit organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Meals-on-Wheels, Quilters Club, Orphan Grain Train, and Food Bank.

Socially Lee maintained memberships in Tri T, several bridge clubs, and couples’ golf. She and her husband also enjoyed traveling and gardening. They tended their garden daily from spring to fall and took great pride in their roses.

Lee is survived by her 4 children, Ron Yockey, Randy Yockey, Janet (John) Fleckenstein, Pam (Dallas) Schulz, 7 grandchildren, Chris (Kim) Yockey, Shawn Yockey, Jen (Ryan) Jorgensen, Jamie Fleckenstein, Josh (Samantha) Fleckenstein, Jake (Sara) Fleckenstein, and Natalie Schulz, and 13 great-grandchildren, Travis Yockey, Katelyn Schrunk, Cameron Jorgensen, Theo, Eden, and Mila Yockey, Vivian and Grayson Fleckenstein, Maeryn, Sayers, and Haytham Fleckenstein, and Thea and Evan Fleckenstein, and 1 sister, Veniece Young.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her daughter-in-law, Jeannette Yockey, her granddaughter, Emily Schulz, her grandson, Eric Yockey, and her step-grandson, Jay Fleckenstein.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. There will be a visitation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 12, at 9:30. The funeral will follow at 10:30, with Pastor Kenny Hsu officiating. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery will be at 1:00.  

Lee was a strong, Godly, woman. Like all, she faced trials, but her faith carried her through. She will be remembered fondly and live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.