Gerald "Tony" Yore's Obituary
Gerald “Tony” Yore, age 76, of Spring Lake, went to meet his Heavenly Father on Friday, February 10, 2012. He was born March 22, 1935 in Oak Park, IL to Gerald A. and Elizabeth (O’Kelly) Yore.
He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie” of 33 years, and his step-daughters, Theresa “Teri” (Andy) Rose and Andrea Schulte; seven grandchildren: Stephanie, Savannah, Brenner, Brezlynn, and Brixton Rose and Kayla and Nicholas Schulte; a sister, Anne “Nancy” (AL) Yore-O’Dell; brother, Louis (Gretta) Yore; and special aunt Mercedes O’Kelly; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Martha Zilic.
Tony was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and was the official, unofficial, greeter in the parking lot. He was involved in Bible Studies, and small group gatherings, and many social events where he could “meet & greet”.
Tony sailed as a Merchant Marine, catching his first vessel in 1959 and sailed around the world including the top of the world in Antarctica, and ports on every major body of water, oceans, lakes, seas, and rivers. He served during Desert Storm on the Cape May. His most enjoyed vessel was in Grand Haven, on the Dredge Haines working with the Corps of Engineers. He was a US Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War.
He enjoyed making people smile and laugh, and felt if that was accomplished, he had a good day! He loved jokes, and comics. His quick wit will be missed by so many. He enjoyed collecting the works and characters of Charles Schultz, playing cribbage, having a smoke, playing games, and sharing stories with family and friends. Having things and being able to give them away was more important than possessing them.
This sums up his life...a portion of a poem from one of his favorite authors, Don Blanding, The Vagabond reads: ..”for I’ll have good friends, and sit and chat, or simply sit, it comes to that.”
The Service for Tony will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 16, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grand Haven with Rev. Dieter Haupt officiating. Friends may meet the family from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, February 15, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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