Dann E. Yonker's Obituary
Dann E. Yonker, 63, made his way to the Spirit in the sky on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. He was born on May 31, 1957 in Grand Haven, MI to Clyde and Janet (Rycenga) Yonker.
He fell in love with Joyce Ellen Yonker (Van Oordt) and they were married on May 6, 1977. Over the 43 years of their marriage, they loved to travel together, cruising the Caribbean and betting the max at the Tropicana in Vegas. In the summer, you could find them at their pool, soaking up rays and hosting a barbeque for family and friends. He loved growing grapes and making wine. “From my feet to your lips”. They raised 2 beautiful daughters in their Spring Lake home, 3 spoiled Labradors, 6 beloved grandchildren and scores of friends, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
He was a graduate of Grand Haven High School and received his journeyman’s card to become a 3rd generation tool and die maker. He worked for Crown Tool, BR Metal and Shape where he perfected his craft of building dies for automobile parts and making lifelong friendships. He had a tireless work ethic and rarely missed a day of work.
Not only did Dann work hard, he played hard as well. In his glory days, he coached and played softball, and volleyball. He loved playing the infield and was either hitting a homerun or sacrificing his body with a slide. He could be found on a Friday night at Starlight Lanes, ever-chasing that 300 game, or on the golf course with his buddies doing more laughing than golfing.
Dann loved a good story and if he was telling one, you better sit down and get comfortable because it was going to be good. His laughter was contagious and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and wanted made him the life of the party and the nucleus of the family. Most of his stories recapped a recent fishing expedition with his beloved dog, Holly or perhaps a funny tale about his childhood.
From the time he could hold a pole, Dann could be found in his row boat, casting from shore or on the big lake, captaining the family boat, the Danny Buoy. A true outdoorsman, Dann was closest to God when he was in a tree stand. Geese, rabbit, duck, turkey and white-tailed deer were no match for his trusty shotgun or bow. He fought hard to stay here with us through cancer and many health battles and his love and legacy will be remembered by every life he touched.
Dann is survived by his wife, Joyce; 2 daughters, both of Spring Lake, Kelly (Jason) Kondrat, and Jamie (Ben) Maxson; 6 grandchildren: Christian and Joel Kondrat, and Bentley, Maddox, Cade and Paisley Maxson; a sister, Nancy (Rick) Fett and brother, Ed Yonker; sisters-in-law, Pat (Jim) Best, and Linda (Jerry) Gieske; and brother-in-law, Jim (Kim) VanOordt.
A service for Dann will be held on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00 PM with visitation from 1-2 PM at the Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church, 364 S. Lake, Spring Lake, MI 49456. There will not be a luncheon following the funeral due to Covid restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for an education fund for Dann’s 6 grandchildren. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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