Elaine Yerly has been an active civic volunteer, dedicating much of her time to church and community service. A graduate of La Crosse Central High School, Yearly has been a lifelong resident of La Crosse. Much of her earlier life revolved around the Yerly Corporation. She became the company president after her husband, Everett, died in 1968. The company was sold in 1973.

She has been on the board of directors of numerous organizations including the United Way, La Crosse Foundation, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Swarthout Museum, Boys and Girls Club, and Aquinas High School. She is also a member of the Viterbo College President’s Club and numerous other organizations. She has been an office volunteer for the past decade at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral where she has also been a member of the parish council.

In 1985, Yearly was selected to receive the Pope John XXIII Award presented by Viterbo College.



Yearly’s involvement in the Club began in 1970 when she was elected to the Executive Board of Directors. She has received the Clubs Treasurer’s Award and Distinguished Service Award. She is a community servant in the truest sense of the word.