Obituaries

Janet “Jan” M. Yarolimek, 76, of Eau Claire passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Care Partners Stonewood Drive, Eau Claire surrounded by her loving family.

Jan was born on January 10, 1950, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Willard and Lucy (Fedie) Best. The third of four children, she grew up on the family farm south of Elk Mound. She graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1968.

Jan married Jerry Kilde in November 1968. They had two daughters. They later divorced but remained friendly. She later married Joe Yarolimek, together they traveled to many states seeing the sights and looking for rocks and panning for gold. They could be found at Rock & Gem Shows, Thrift Sales, and at the grandchildren’s activities.

Jan is survived by her daughters, Joanne (Mike) Lane of Elk Mound and Rebecca (Tony) Bauer of Meridean, Wisconsin; sister, Ruth (Bob) Brendsel; brothers, Bob (Donna) Best and LaVern Best all of Elk Mound; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brother-in-law, Don Yarolimek; and many other extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, Willard and Lucy Best; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Florence Yarolimek; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vince and Bee Loechler.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Care Partners-Stonewood Drive, Heartland Hospice, and Luther Hospital 4th floor nurses, and Dr. Ottoman for their care and compassion they’ve shown to Jan.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Burial will be at 2:15 pm at Lakeview Cemetery.

We would like to invite family and friends that are unable to attend todays service, to click the link below to join us virtually.

https://vimeo.com/event/5773722