Pastor Bill Yesse was my church's pastor at Puritas Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio when I was young. He was my Catechism teacher and beyond that, was my friend, even though I was much younger. He had such an infectious way of imparting wisdom and joy to all he spent time with. I know it has been several years since he passed on, but I only learned of his passing this week and was saddened to know that he was no longer with us. This photo is from 1970 in Cleveland. All my best to his wife and children. Know that he touched many and will always be loved and remembered. 

- Bill Edgar

Pastor Yesse was our youth pastor at Puritas Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1960s. I have many wonderful memories of those years and the good times we all had together. While he was the adult and we were all kids he always seemed like one of us. He's a big part of the reason I'm still a member of a Lutheran Church.

Pastor Yesse married my wife and I at Emmaus Lutheran Church 24 years ago and baptize both of our children also. I loved the way he would talk straight to me but with a touch of humor. He also took good care of my mom Josie , a member of Emmaus till her passing. 
Our family will always be grateful for Pastor Yesse. 

Jeri: 
"He is risen!  He is risen indeed!" That's what Bill is singing now and forever with the Heavenly Chorus! (And he's probably pinching his fellow tenors in the butt as they sing!)
"Faithful servant...Abundant joy...Lover of life...Enjoyer of people..."
The list could go on and on describing Bill, and every phrase would be with a smile.
Bill was a special friend to all, and as a college and seminary classmate and clergy colleague for 53 years, I was proud to call him friend, and commend him to his Joyful Master's care.
Go with God.
Denny Asp, Cap '64, ELTS '68

Pastor Yesse was always such a positive voice and he was an amazing mentor to some of the students in Campus Ministry in Jacksonville.  He will be missed! Comfort and mercy in Christ Jesus to his family!

My first memory of Pastor Yesse will always be his wonderful, welcoming smile. I had the privilege of serving with him at Christ the King in Miami in choir and with Order of St. John. I loved watching him with the children. Special man. Special memories. Love to all his family. 

I am heartbroken to hear of Bill's Passing. My memories of him are so vivid. He was a wonderful friend and an outstanding pastor. He was a dedicate shepherd to his flocks and a person who brought  joy and laughter and sage advise to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him, I will keep Jerrilyn and Michelle and Mark in my prayers as you go through the grieving process. Charlene and I loved you all very much. I know Bill has a special place reserved for him in heaven where he is singing the praises of the Lord and probably cooking up a storm. Our love to you all!

So saddened at the loss of a great mentor and true friend. His encouragement early in my ministry is a gift I will always treasure. I just e-mailed him a joke. We loved exchanging a little off-color humor. He was so easy to know and love. His life exuded the grace of Jesus. He was such a devoted servant of the Lord, even in great difficulty and pain. He "left it all on the field", as the saying goes. His heavenly tenor voice was a joy to sing along with. He was real, down to earth, a man without pretense. 

Well done, faithful disciple and conveyer of the Gospel. 

Jerilynn,
I have so many great memories of times with you and Bill during our seminary years - many evenings playing pinochle and sharing good laughs.  Bill sang "I'll Walk With God" at my ordination in 1968.  He sang it for me, but I believe it was a better testimony to HIS life.  He walked humbly, trusting our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You. Jeri, and your family were true joy to him through the years.   Pat and I rejoice that  Bill is now enjoying the fullness of God's promises to him.  "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the mind of man imagined, the wonderful things God has prepared for those who love Him.  God bless and comfort you and your family.

Jeri. You and Bill traveled a great road. It was a privilege to be part of it from time to time over the years.  May God bless and keep you during this time of your loss.

Pastor Yesse will be missed by everyone.  His love, laughter, jokes,  advise and friendship will be long remembered.  My prayers are with Jeri and the Yesse family.  God Bless, and thank you Pastor for all those wonderful years.

I have only been in Florida for a little over a year, but got to know Bill through our Conference gatherings via Zoom. I never had the opportunity to meet him in person due to the pandemic. What I appreciated most about Bill was his wry wit. But what I didn't know was just how deeply and how well he served the Church - not only congregationally but synodically as well. Impressive! 

May he Rest In Peace as good and faithful servant. 

Rev. Tim Bernard
Trinity Lutheran Church
New Smyrna Beach, FL

I've only known Bill a few years since I  retired and moved to Palm Coast.  Much of our contact was through the Tuesday Zoom Ministers' meetings for the Flagler Volusia Lutheran Clergy Conference.  I was impressed by his joy in service,  real interest in learning and patient, good humored endurance of the ailments he suffered these last few years.  
May God bless him for his faithful ministry,  give you comfort in your time of grief and keep all of us in his Grace. 

God bless, 
Pastor Dennis R.  Meyer

Dear Jerilynn:  We offer our sympathy at Bill's death and share our joy in the resurrection.  We thank you for the friendship we have shared through the retired pastors.  Bill always had a smile -- even when he was suffering.  May the memories of his love bring you comfort.  Love Keith and Janet Grill

A one of a kind servant and unforgettable person.
 Jerri was my roommate in college and that was how I met Bill.  My other roommate was a music major and she saw a lot of Bill thru Chapel Choir.  So  I always had some Bill in my college life. After college jerri and I were roommates until she married Bill. As couples we kept in touch thru the years.  Every time we got together it was just like there was never a break in time. Jerri and Bill are special people.  They raised special kids. I am joyful that someday,as Christians, we will meet again. So looking g forward to that!

We wish we were holding all of you in our arms, but we are surely holding you in our prayers and thinking of you continuously. We know  "Uncle Bill" is watching over all of you and is singing with the angels!! May we all learn to serve others as he did. Peace and love in abundance to you.

Michelle - Although it's been a few years, I'll never forget your dad's unique character, wit, and way of telling it like it is, probably because I see it all in you as well.  He always made me smile.  I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.  Sending hugs to you.
  Paula

OBITUARY

Rev. William C. Yesse

18 May, 1942 – 20 June, 2021

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens

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