Yvonne Alice Todtleben

Yvonne Alice (York) Todtleben, passed away at home with family at her side on August 23, 2024. Born on November 11, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the only child born to Willis B. York and Jeannetta “Jane” (Stearns) York of Madrid, Iowa. She graduated from Madrid High School in 1950 and worked for an insurance company for one year before attending Iowa State University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Home Economics. While at Iowa State, she attended a sorority sister’s wedding and met University of Nebraska student, Carl Todtleben, of Red Oak, Iowa. Carl transferred to Iowa State and they were married on December 27, 1953.

In 1955, Yvonne and Carl moved to Mankato, MN where Carl began a 40-year career with Hubbard Milling Company, and Yvonne worked for Charlotte Farrish of Farrish Law (now Farrish Johnson). When she and Carl started a family, she became a full-time homemaker, supporting Carl’s career. With Hubbard, they moved to Springfield, IL, and Cedar Rapids, IA, before returning to Mankato in 1971. In 1990, they moved to Springfield, MN, where Carl planned to finish the last four years of his career, but they enjoyed it so much they spent 21 years of their retirement there. With an ill daughter and medical issues of her own, they moved back to Mankato in 2014, residing at New Perspectives Senior Living. Yvonne was diagnosed with cancer in 1983 and was one of the fortunate few who lived with cancer for over 40 years.

Wherever Yvonne and Carl resided, she was active in church volunteer work, P.E.O., YWCA boards, Springfield’s St. John’s Auxiliary, and Meal on Wheels. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, the Home Economics Club of Mankato, and Centenary UMC. Part-time work at the MSU Bookstore during busy periods afforded her time away from home after her children were raised.

In addition to finding great satisfaction in mothering and grandmothering (including twin sons and twin grandsons), Yvonne looked forward each day to a morning cup of coffee, reading the newspaper to keep track of community members and events, socializing with golf, bridge and Springfield women’s morning coffee club, wintering on Alabama’s Gulf coast, sewing, and getting to know newcomers and Carl’s work associates’ families, always wanting to know where someone was from and who they might have in common. She was proud her grandchildren chose careers that help others and contribute to the greater good. Yvonne was all about connecting.

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents; in-laws, Minnie and Carl Todtleben; oldest child, Ann Todtleben (2017); and many cherished friends.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Carl; daughter, Joan and Daniel Collison of Hanover, NH; son, John and Cheryl Todtleben of North Mankato; son, Jeff Todtleben (Josie Domingo) of Rosemount, MN; and grandchildren, Colin Todtleben of Prior Lake, MN, Darin Todtleben of Rochester, MN, Charlie Collison of Seattle, WA, Caroline Collison of Plattsburgh, NY, Ryan Todtleben of Seattle, WA, Catherine Collison of Brooklyn, NY, Natalie Todtleben of Mankato, and Olivia Todtleben of North Mankato.

Interment at Woodland Hills Memorial Park in Mankato will be at a later date. Gifts may be given in her memory to the Springfield (MN) Area Foundation, Mayo Hospice, Centenary UMC or donor’s choice.

Yvonne’s family wish to thank Dr. Erin Westfall and Oncology Nurse Practitioner Tami O’Brien for their outstanding care. Gratitude also goes to the team at New Perspectives, especially long-timers Chris Sandeen, John Larson, Linda Bode, Roberta Smith and hairstylist, Shelly Hoffman.