Jerrie Yehling, an artist known for her paintings, drawings and crafts, died April 11, 2026, at Our House Assisted Living in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She was 74.
She is survived by three children: Barbara Smith of Menlo Park, California; Carolyn Pehlke of Phillips, Wisconsin; and James Smith of Wheeler, Wisconsin; a close friend, Rick Gregerson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Eleanor Yehling, and four siblings: Joan, Carl, Carol and Roy Yehling.
Yehling was born Oct. 9, 1951, in Chicago and grew up in Monee, Illinois. She was married to James Smith in 1972 and had three children before the couple divorced. She was an accomplished artist whose work was displayed in numerous art shows. She also enjoyed gardening and had a particular affection for Japanese Chin dogs.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at the funeral chapel.
Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Japanese Chin Rescue “J.C. Care,” P.O. Box 750893, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or at japanesechinrescue.org.
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services is serving the family. For information or to share memories and condolences, visit pedersonvolker.com.