MANSFIELD: Dean Yeager was a wealthy man. It’s not that he had great and expensive possessions, he had few wants. And as such – in pursuing a simple life, he had everything he needed. He was rich not by what he could amass – but by what he could do without.
Characterized by his life of contentment, Dean Yeager passed away Monday evening January 19, 2026. He was 93.
Born December 7, 1932 in Morrow County to parents Kenneth Darrell and Kathryn Marie (Wirick) Yeager, Dean was graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1950. Prompt and loyal in character, Dean earned “perfect attendance” in school.
He met Marilyn Mae Sholaya and the two were married August 22, 1954 in Main Street United Methodist Church, where they remained members.
Dean worked as a meatcutter with Weidels Meats for 42 years – he never forgot his customers names – generations of Mansfielders remember him as the friendly guy who passed out the hotdogs to all the kids! He retired in 1994, and never missed a day’s work!
Remembered for his happy disposition and sense of humor, Deano approached life with an easy-going attitude – even keeled. He lived a good solid life. Conservative, perhaps thrifty, and sometimes downright cheap, Dean was just content with a simple life.
Active and involved in life, he took a lively interest in his family’s activities – he made everyone laugh – and enjoyed the simple joys of spending summers up at Lake Erie at the family cottage at Huron.
An avid golfer, Deano was involved with several golf leagues, and was often seen at the YMCA. He often held court with his “Y friends” around the kitchen table, solving the world’s problems.
During the “Blizzard of ‘78” Dean walked to the Ohio Edison office – the only way to get there – in order to pay “the light bill” by the due date. He paid many bills in person. He was from the “waste not, want not” generation, and didn’t throw much away. His basement and garage became a treasure trove of items for family, friends, and neighbors!
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Mae (Sholaya) Yeager; their children Susan (Steve) Greenawalt of Port Clinton and K. Randy (Shelly) Yeager of Vero Beach, Florida; grandchildren Stephanie (Ian Link) Baehrens. Aimee (Adam) Sheetz, and Ryan ( Courtney) Yeager, and great grandchildren Van and Blu; his sister Barbara Mertler of Mansfield; and a large circle of friends including a cherished friend Dave Mangan of Mansfield.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Charles Mertler and Gary Sholaya.
His family wishes to express sincere gratitude to his niece and her husband Kim & Dave Adams for their love and support – as well as always being there whenever needed.
The Yeager family will receive guests Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where his Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 1 p. m. Celebrant Christine Robinson will lead the ceremony. Private interment will be in Shauck Cemetery, Johnsville.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Yeager family Share a message of support with them online at https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Dean-A-Yeager?obId=47015956#/obituaryInfo
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com