Karen Yackley

Karen Yackley, of Montevideo, passed away on Sunday November 2, 2025 at CCM Health in Montevideo at the age of 54.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Karen Michelle Yackley was born on May 26, 1971, in Carmichael California, to Eddie Dye and Anita ”Midge” Sikes. In 1980, Midge married Mike Metcalfe and they moved to Texas. Karen attended school and graduated from Willis Texas High School. While living in Texas, Karen worked as a Correctional Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Karen kept in close touch with her family in Minnesota. She eventually visited Minnesota and made the decision to move to Montevideo in 1999 where she lived with her Grandma Viv and Grandpa Pete. She studied in the Administrative Assistant Program at Minnesota West Community College in Granite Falls and graduated in 2001.

While living in Montevideo, Karen met the love of her life, Kipp Yackley. They married on September 20, 2003. Karen would say that in marrying Kipp she was blessed to become a Stepmother to Kipps three sons, Branden, Brent, and Bryan. In 2004, the family moved to the Brainerd area. Karen worked at Daves Appliance in Pequot Lakes and then for the Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office. Kipp worked as a School Bus Driver.

About 15 years ago, Karen was diagnosed with Epilepsy when she began to struggle with Seizures. This diagnosis made it difficult for Karen to do all the things she enjoyed. Kipp provided tender loving care. They returned to Montevideo in 2019 to be closer to family in part so that the family could help with Karen’s care.

She will be remembered for her passionate love of dogs. Karen dreamed of having a “Puppy Palace” for her to keep many dogs! Her days were spent surrounded by Toby Mina and Journey who she loved and they gave her such joy.

Karen deeply treasured the time she spent with family and friends and loved watching sports. She will be remembered for her big heart, easy laughter, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Karen is survived by her husband, Kipp Yackley, her “Fur Babies” dogs, Toby, Mina, and Journey; stepson’s Branden, Brent, and Bryan Yackley; Grandchildren Jayden, Regan, Jay, Atlas, and Lilah. Brothers Michael Metcalfe, Robert Dye(Becci TenBensel), Kirby Jones, Todd Blackwell and Sister Tammy Magenheimer(Andy). Aunt and Uncle Kathy and Bill Gordon, Aunt Jeannie Sikes. Special Nieces and Nephews Reese Dye, Zack Leonard and Gabe Leonard, Cortland(Jenny) Martin, Hope(Trent) Niesen, and Ashly Domeier, Stepfather Mike Metcalfe. Mother In Law Lorma Rohloff, Father and Mother In Law Larry and Lu Yackley, Brothers in Law Todd(Penny), Larry(Tammy) James(Bonnie), Sisters In Law Sue Lujan(Jessi), Sheryl Gunzenhauser (Aron), Denise, Bobbi Richards (Cory), and Tammi Rockenbach(Richard) She leaves behind many extended family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Midge Metcalfe and Eddie Dye. Grandparents Floyd Dye, Vivian Phelps and Pete Johnson, Aunt Christine Dye, Uncles Terry and Wayne Dye. Fur Baby Zoey.

In lieu flowers please consider a cash donation which the family will donate to various animal rescue, or humane society.

Arrangements are with Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo. www.andersontebeest.com