Eugene R. Yakes' Obituary
Eugene Robert Yakes, age 83, of Holland, Michigan, entered the arms of Jesus on Thursday, March 26, 2009. He was born June 10, 1925, to Mathew and Lola (Magoon) Yakes in Grand Rapids, and he married Edna M. Tickner on September 29, 1945 in Grand Rapids. They had celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Eugene, along with members of his family, owned Yakes Office Supply in Grand Rapids for over 50 years. Eugene was an active member of the Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church in Holland, and a former elder at Spencer Mills Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Eugene and Edna worked in the mission field for 19 years through Christian Services International. He was a past president of Ambucs. His favorite times were with his family and grandchildren and he “Loved his Lord and serving Him.”
Survivors include his loving wife, Edna; two daughters, Sue (Terry) Kraker of Allendale, Cindy (Jeff) Benson of Grand Haven; two sons, Jerry (Margaret) Yakes of Rockford, Denny (Leslie) Yakes of Byron Center; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Doris (Harry) Sutliffe of Sparta, MI, Barbara (Bert) Denny of Belmont, MI, Virginia (Jim) Hughes of Wyoming, MI; two brothers-in-law, Charles (Carman) Tickner of Cleveland, OH, Bill Tickner of Grand Rapids; and several nieces, nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Delbert; and a grandson, Jason Highfill.
The Celebration of Eugene’s Life will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church located at 4055 112th Ave., Holland, MI 49424 with Rev. Mark Vande Zande officiating. Friends may meet the family 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2009, at the Noordeloos CRC and also one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Outreach Program at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church. Flowers may be delivered to Noordeloos CRC. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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