Robert E. Yost

Robert Ernest Yost (Bob) passed away peacefully Thursday June 5, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born to Adelaide Kessenich Yost and John Radford Yost on January 6, 1931. The fourth of four sons: “the four finest fellows,” his beloved brothers John, Harry and Frank cherished along with Bob a tight family relationship built upon respect, devoted friendship and love.

Bob graduated from Wisconsin High School in 1949 and from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1952, and although we never knew about any of his academic achievements at the UW, he would frequently boast with enthusiasm about his position as a “Badger Beauty” judge.

Bob met Mary P. Garstang (from Indianapolis) in college on a blind date. They were married April 22, 1958. They cherished their 47 years together until Mary (fondly known as “Guffie”) passed in 2005.

Shortly after her death, Bob began to enjoy a beautiful companionship with Mary Anne Farley, a dear friend of Guffie. Mary Anne provided much love and care for Bob, and they traveled on fun trips to Florida where they enjoyed mutual friends, good times and a necessary reprieve from Wisconsin winters. Mary Anne’s commitment to Bob, our family, and his happiness gave Bob so much joy and comfort over the last 19 years.

From February 1954 to February 1956 Bob served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army as a member of the Military Police. He was stationed in Huntsville, AL.

He returned to Madison to join his father and older brothers in opening their first women’s fashion store at 201 State Street in Madison, where the Overture Center is now located. Other stores followed at the lower end of State Street, the Hilldale Shopping Center and other locations throughout the Midwest. It was a very special shopping trip for a mother and daughter to shop at “Yost’s” for a wedding or prom dress or coat.

Bob and Guffie moved to Maple Bluff, first to 330 Kensington Drive. Bob’s dream was to live on the lake and the family moved to 357 Lakewood Blvd. in 1968 and enjoyed lake life and the view of the Capitol, which never grew old. The family spent countless hours sailing and racing sailboats, waterskiing, and cruising the shores of Lake Mendota. Bob truly loved 357 Lakewood, and until he was 88, he conscientiously mowed the lawn (shirtless and with his Ray Bans on!!) so that it was always picture perfect.

Bob was well known and appreciated by the community. He served on the Village Board; he was a member of the volunteer fire department and served as Commodore of the Mendota Yacht Club.

Bob and Guffie joined Maple Bluff Country Club in 1957 where they golfed and played tennis and enjoyed their many friends. Bob was very supportive of the Club and was a loyal member for 67 continuous years – a record that has not been broken. And he was known for always sporting a coat and tie when he was at the Club dining.

Bob was also famously known for “Mable”, his very lifelike porcelain mannequin (once in the window of a Yost store) who was dressed in a sporty ensemble and placed at the end of the Yost pier beginning in 2000. Mable’s job, even as she sits there today, is to deter the gulls from gathering on the dock and boat canvas, and she is still successful in doing so. Bob loved watching the boaters drive by to wave and say hello to Mable, and some were clearly startled or confused by the fact she did not wave back.

And of course, Bob always enjoyed his martini at the end of his day, and he would toast one, and only one “gin to win.” He was heard to say that if he had more than one martini it would be “Adios Yost.”

So, cheers to Robert, Bob or Monsieur Boob as he was referred to in his high school French class. His sense of humor, silly grin, kind nature, compassion and unwavering integrity proved he lived a life worth living.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Anne F. Yost, his long-time companion Mary Anne Farley, his special caregiver, Athena Stuart, his granddaughter Stephanie Anne Yost and his great granddaughter. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; son Steve; brothers John (Lib/Audrey,) Harry (Alice.) Frank (Connie) and his niece, Ellen Anderson.

One of Bob’s signature greetings was “come in, the water is fine.” His life was guided by a simple rule: “if you have a roof over your head, good friends, and your health, that’s all you need.”

Dad, you are now in a place where the “water is fine” and you will be dearly missed. Adios Yost!!

A private celebration of Bob’s life for family and close friends will occur on Sunday July 27, 2025, from 12-3 at Maple Bluff Country Club. Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or at Agrace.org/Donate.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

608-238-3434