Yvonne Marie Newman

Yvonne Newman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at Northern Pines Assisted Living in Pine City, at the age of 86.

Born on August 23, 1938, to Edgar and Elizabeth (Emge) Carpenter in Rice County, Faribault, Minnesota, Yvonne lived a life rooted in resilience, love, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her early years were shaped by humble beginnings—her clothes were made from flour and sugar sacks, and she faced challenges from a young age, including surgery on her right eye at just three years old.

Yvonne's childhood took her to many different places before she eventually graduating from Braham High School in 1957. In school, she participated in class plays and oratory competitions. Her education continued at Humboldt Technical Airline School in 1958.

She met the love of her life, Charles, at a dance at the Rice Bowl, and they were married on October 16, 1963. Together, they built a life in Champlin, Minnesota, where Charles worked as a custodian and Yvonne as a school cook—a role she would proudly hold for many years. Her career in school food services spanned multiple districts, including Pine City, Cambridge-Isanti, and Anoka-Hennepin.

Yvonne found her greatest joy in motherhood. The births of her two sons, Michael and Richard, were defining moments of her life. She and Charles eventually settled on five acres in rural Pine City, where they built a home and enjoyed countless peaceful days watching birds and wildlife from their windows.

Yvonne was a woman of many talents. She loved sewing and quilting, baking, writing letters, and visiting with friends. Her hands were rarely still, whether crafting something beautiful or preparing something delicious. Her kindness and warmth extended far beyond her family, touching friends and neighbors alike.

After Charles’s passing, Yvonne continued to live independently during retirement. She cultivated lasting friendships and was a vibrant part of the Chesterfield apartment community in Pine City, often enjoying lunch dates and organized activities. Her final days were spent in the care of the compassionate team at Northern Pines Assisted Living, and the family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff there, as well as to St. Croix Hospice, for the comfort and dignity they provided in her final chapter.

Yvonne’s family is proud of her strength, her independence, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. She once wrote, “The most important people in my life are family—yes, the entire blended family—children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Love to be shared. I wish I had more years than God planned for me to be with all of you.”

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Yvonne is survived by sons Michael (Carol) Newman, Richard Newman, Steven (Linda) Newman, Harold (Lois) Newman; grandchildren Elizabeth (Brandon) Zahnow, Abby (Nick) Newman, Rose (Dylan) Dooley, Nicole Newman, Benjamin Newman, Stacy (Brent Linn) Newman, Jessica (Derek) Newman; great grandchildren Alma Zahnow, Leona Dooley; many step grandchildren, step great grandchildren; siblings Sharon Fix, Teresa Morgan, Dennis (Judy) Carpenter; brother-in-law Dennis Kunzer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by parents Elizabeth & Edgar Carpenter; husband Charles Newman; brothers-in-law Joseph Fix, Donald Morgan; niece Charlotte Noyes; stepson Darrell Newman; stepdaughter Shirley Tolonen.

Pastor Rob Spahr will officiate funeral services for Yvonne: 11:00 AM; Wednesday, July 30, 2025 with a time for reviewal and visitation 1-1/2 hours prior to the service, all at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine City. Yvonne will be interred at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Family Pathways Food Shelf
P.O. Box 257
Pine City, MN 55063

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel 

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com