Yvonne Echelard

Yvonne Echelard, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 27th at St. Anne’s/Benedictine extended care facility.

Born on December 31, 1934, in Rugby, North Dakota to Margaret (Teigen) Lee and Edward Paul Bertram Lee. Her family moved to Havre, Montana in 1945. She graduated from Havre High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Joseph Echelard on Jan. 20th, 1953. Yvonne and Don relocated to Winona, Minnesota in 1969 for Don’s professorship at the College of St. Teresa. During her early years in Winona, Yvonne integrated herself into the Winona community with her involvement at the College of St. Teresa and through duties and friendships as a faculty wife.

Yvonne’s love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Her passions included watercolor painting, singing, playing cards with friends, sewing, knitting, reading, cooking and baking. She found joy in the simple things, whether it was spending time with her family, visiting with her friends, or having a cup of coffee with whomever stopped by. Yvonne was known for her kindness, helpfulness and dedication. She had a strong Catholic faith that she carried to the end of her life.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and sang in the church choir for over 25 years. She was a founding member of the Winona Oratorio Choir. She was a member of the Winona Area Catholic Daughters and volunteered for the Winona Area Hospice. She was a bookkeeper for several businesses before becoming a salesperson at Winona Fire and Power. However, she was best known in the Winona community as the outstanding employee and salesperson at Volkman Appliance where she was employed for decades.

She is survived by her sons: Paul (Maria), Hillsboro Beach, Florida; Dean, Waterloo, Iowa; David (Suzanne Cooley), Winona; daughter, Aline, Winona; her grandchildren: Erica, Katie, Shawn, Ian, Wenonah, and Hudson; brother: Fred (Nancy) Lee; many nieces and nephews; and several great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Donald Joseph Echelard, her parents Margaret and Edward, brother Eddie, and grandson Holland.

A Catholic Mass to celebrate Yvonne’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Winona, MN. Visitation prior to Mass will be held at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church Commons.

The family would prefer donations be made in Yvonne’s memory to Benedictine Community of Winona-Chapel Fund.

Yvonne’s memory will be forever cherished by her family and friends. Her legacy of faith, love and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN. Online condolences can be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.