Karl E. Yard, 71, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 4:03 a.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Karl was born February 19, 1954 in LaHarpe the son of L. Eldon and Evelyn I. (Wetzel) Yard. On July 26, 1974 he married Robin DeBold. They later divorced. On May 13, 1989 he married Leana Thompson Troute. She survives.

Karl was a 1972 graduate of LaHarpe High School and attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. He worked for Thermogas, the Blandinsville Water Department and Larry Jones, before beginning at 25 year career at Western Illinois University. While working, he also owned and operated Yard Repair and farmed near LaHarpe. He was truly a jack of all trades.

Karl was a member of the LaHarpe Union Church, LaHarpe Masonic Lodge, Quincy Consistory, a past member of the LaHarpe Lions Club and a former volunteer with the LaHarpe Fire Department. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing, traveling, NASCAR, attending air shows, boating, Iowa Hawk Eyes girls basketball and especially enjoyed when his grandchildren joined him in his many hobbies. He found so much joy in traveling with Leana to Branson, Mexico and various wineries around the country as well.

Besides his wife, Leana, survivors include three sons: Jarrid (Rebecca) Yard of Gladstone, Illinois, Landon (Ashley) Yard of LaHarpe and Colby (Monica) Yard of Wataga, Illinois; two daughters: Michelle (Justin) Bramblett of Hannibal, Missouri and Teresa Hickey of Quincy, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren: Parker (McKenzie) Yard, Karrigan (Elvis) Bonilla, Erika Yard, Trey Peuster, Lexie Peuster, Jackson Shallenberger, Clayton Yard, Bexley Yard, Oakley Yard, Roman Yard, Haxtun Karl Yard, Harlow Hickey and Larkin Hickey; two great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Jet Yard; one nephew: Shane (Karen) Yard of Bloomington, Illiinois and one niece: Amy (Jeff) Hager of Atlanta, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: Kent Yard.

Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe is assisting the family.

Masonic Rites will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 the LaHarpe Union Church. Following Masonic Rites, the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.

The funeral service for Karl will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Union Church with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial will follow at LaHarpe Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for the Union Church or LaHarpe Park District, to benefit the LaMoine Valley Golf Course. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Karl's obituary at banksandbeals.com.