Mike Yender, age 55 of Early, IA passed away January 16, 2021, at Unity Point Health - St. Luke’s in Sioux City, IA.  Michael James Yender was born November 1, 1965, in Storm Lake, IA, to James and JoAnne (Meyer) Yender.  He later became a big brother to his sisters Jill and Jan.

   Mike was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church in Early.  He attended grade school to the eighth grade at Sacred Heart School in Early and graduated from Storm Lake St. Mary’s in 1984.  He attended Iowa Lakes Community College obtaining a degree in farm management. Mike then returned home to farm with his father.

   Growing up on the farm, Mike was able to enjoy many of his favorite hobbies; hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers and motorcycles, and trapping.  He was able to buy his first car with the proceeds from trapping. Many hours were spent riding 4-wheelers with his sisters, cousins, and friends.  In the winter they liked pulling each other around on an inner tube in the snow. Mike was able to add a new favorite when he bought his camper. Many happy hours were spent with his sisters and their families sitting around the campsites and were able to enjoy trips that were taken with the cousins. He always enjoyed fishing whether it was on the ice, at the lake, or the river. Mike taught his niece and nephews to fish, and got a kick out of being "out-fished" by them or his sister.  His favorite place to be was out on Lake Okoboji.  Mike always looked forward to the yearly trips with his sisters and their families and the trips were even better when the cousins were there like we always did growing up. If Mike wasn't out fishing or out on the farm working, he would be found sitting outside at home just watching the world go by and talking with his neighbors.

   He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; uncles Joe Yender, Dave Brinkman, and Verlyn Meyer.

   Those left to cherish his memory include his mother; sisters: Jill Roling of Early, IA, and Jan (Chris) Pyle of Hinton, IA; nephews: Jesse Yender of Early, IA, Zach Roling of Early, IA, and Austin Pyle of Sioux City, IA; niece Alexis Pyle of Hinton, IA; great-niece Brynlee Yender of Early, IA; aunts: Mary Brinkman, Betty Meyer, and Lona Munger; many cousins, other extended family members, and friends.