Gretchen Yach

Gretchen Yach, 81, of Stevens Point, died peacefully at home Friday, January 30, 2026 with her husband and children by her side. Her generous spirit and eagerness to help family, friends and strangers alike will be greatly missed.

Gretchen was born in Stevens Point on July 29, 1944 to the late Vilas and Dorothy (Schultz) Behr. The youngest of three children, she grew up on the Northside, attending St. Peter’s School and graduating from Maria High School in 1962. After graduation she worked at the offices of Drs. Benn and Rifleman.

In 1967, Gretchen married Joe Yach with whom she went on to share a long, happy marriage. Together they raised their two children, Molly and Tom, in the home they lived in for over 50 years. When her children were young, Gretchen stayed home with them, often volunteering at school and being a second mom to many of their friends. When her kids were older, she returned to work, retiring from the Central Wisconsin Credit Union just in time to take up Gramma duties.

Being Mom and Gramma brought Gretchen such joy. She created a life and home for her children where fun was encouraged, dessert was plentiful and friends were always welcome. Even as adults, a day wasn’t complete for them without at least one phone call with Mom. For her grandchildren, Gramma’s house was a second home where they could build blanket forts, stay up late and indulge in ice cream cones before supper or even for breakfast. Each of her five grandkids will cherish the way she was able to make them feel special, from homemade birthday cards signed “love you, love you” to her support and willingness to help them in any way she could as they began to make their own way in the world.

Gretchen was a people person. She could be found chatting on the phone for hours with her many friends, striking up conversations with strangers in a waiting room or making desserts to take to the clubs she loved to attend. Her involvement in the Stevens Point Area Genealogy Society and her research into her personal family history allowed her to contact many long lost cousins. In 2010, she had the opportunity to travel to Poland, see the villages of her ancestors and meet a number of distant relatives. Quilting was a particular passion of hers. Over the years she was active in quilting groups, attended quilt shows and helped make a special quilt each year for a senior at the alternative high school in Stevens Point.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph; her children, Molly (Paul) Konopacki and Thomas (fiancee Jenny) Yach; her grandchildren, Evan, Lauren and Ethan Konopacki and Austin and Owen Yach; and her sister-in-law and close friend, Mary Behr. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clifford (Mary) Behr; and sisters, Kathleen (Mel) Elfring and Lorraine who died in infancy.

A private burial will be held at a later date. Pisarski Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Yach Family.