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Eleanor K. Yeakel
05/28/2022

Eleanor Kathleen (Boehm) Yeakel, 83, of Allentown, PA passed away peacefully in her Allentown home surrounded by family on May 28, 2022. Eleanor was married to her teenage sweetheart, Richard M. Yeakel, Sr. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in June 2021. Eleanor was the second born of five children to Roger R. Boehm and Alice B. (Nizart) Boehm in Vera Cruz, PA.

Eleanor grew up in Emmaus/Vera Cruz area where she was a member of the 4-H club and attended Vera Cruz elementary school. She attended Emmaus High school where she enjoyed going to dances and participating in her studies.  During her teenage years she spent time with her closest cousins Mike and Jeanette Boehm who grew up with her, other cousins who lived in Reading, Pa, and neighborhood friends.  

After attending high school Eleanor worked for Collegeville Flag and Costume Company in Collegeville, Pa and Rodale in Emmaus, Pa.  Eleanor was a homemaker and mother who lovingly raised five children: Deborah, Richard, Barry, Lisa, and Roger Yeakel.  After the passing of her in laws Eleanor took in her youngest brother-in-law, Howard L. Yeakel, and raised him along with the rest of her children. When her father passed away Eleanor opened her home to her mother Alice whom she helped to care for until she passed away.  Additionally, throughout the years Eleanor also took in one of her brothers, John P. Boehm, and one of her daughters, Deborah L. Yeakel, during times of hardship.  She also helped provide care for another one of her brothers, Willard Boehm, in times of need.  Eleanor knew the true meaning of being a homemaker, had a loving heart for family as well as care and compassion for others.  She was always available to assist those who were in need.  Eleanor taught her family invaluable lessons in life about being honest, hardworking, and helping each other.

Eleanor valued the simpler things in life.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, hosting Sunday and holiday dinners, and other family gatherings.  Some of her specialties and family favorites included chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots as well as homemade apple tarts.  She enjoyed spending time with family, especially when her sister, Mary J. (Boehm) Gery, would come to visit. Eleanor also loved when her favorite niece, Sheryll (Gery) Woody and her husband Chris Woody, visited from out of state.  Chris would play his guitar and sing songs together with Eleanor which brought joy to her heart. She also enjoyed swimming in her backyard pool, country music, classic movies, and watching her favorite television shows: Uncle Jeffrey’s Pennsylvania Dutch Polka Music Show, Little House on the Prairie, and The Waltons. 

Eleanor considered God and prayer to be integral parts of her life.  She believed that God answered many of her prayers as she endured trials, tribulations, and hardships.  She enjoyed attending church when she was younger and watching gospel singers and various Bible ministers on television when she was older.  Eleanor was a descendent of John Phillip Boehm who was a reformed minister who immigrated from Germany in 1720 and established several Christian churches in America. As her time on earth receded, she was comforted by prayers from her family as well as hearing Bible scriptures read to her by them at her bedside.  Over the past year, Eleanor often mentioned that she was ready to go home to heaven to be with The Lord.

Eleanor is survived by her husband Richard M. Yeakel, Sr., four children:  Richard M. Yeakel, Jr., Barry L. Yeakel, Lisa J. (Yeakel) Talecki wife of John Talecki, and Roger A. Yeakel boyfriend to Penny McPhaul; grandchildren: Samantha and Sean Talecki, and Alfred Saks III, (son of Deborah), spiritual granddaughter Kiernan McPhaul; niece Sheryll (Gery) Woody, wife of Chris Woody.   

Predeceased:  Deborah L. Yeakel (daughter); John P. Boehm, Willard Boehm, Forest (Boehm) Buchman, Mary J. (Boehm) Gery (siblings); Richard N. Meier (lifetime partner of Richard M. Yeakel, Jr.).

There will be a viewing and calling hours on Saturday June 4, 2022 at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am at Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, 1227 W. Hamilton Street,  Allentown, PA, 18102. Interment following at Vera Cruz E.C. Church, 5501 Vera Cruz Road, Emmaus, PA, 18049.  Family and friends are welcome to attend.