Jack W. Yeck's Obituary
Jack William Yeck, age 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 28, 2024, following a short illness. Jack was born on July 24, 1948, in Mount Clemens, MI to Gordon and Ann (Luskin) Yeck. Jack spent his early school years in Ypsilanti and Ludington. He graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1966. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served two tours in Vietnam as a prop and rotor mechanic and door gunner in the 7th of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. When he returned home, he ended up in the V.A. hospital in Saginaw, MI due to a knee injury. His friend sent a beautiful, dark-haired nineteen year-old to pick him up. That woman became his friend and soulmate, Julie Schuch. Jack and Julie were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Saginaw, MI on April 17, 1971. Within a year of marriage, they had their first child and they moved to Muskegon, MI, where the happy couple had two more daughters. Jack worked for Sealed Power until his retirement. In 1984 the family moved to North Muskegon into their dream home, where they celebrated many events including numerous motorcycle hill climb parties where Jack was the entertaining host. Jack and his son became professional motorcycle hillclimbers, and one of Jack’s goals was achieved when he made it up Mt. Garfield. He is well-known for his gregarious nature and his love of motorcycles and could often be found tinkering in his garages on multiple projects and bikes. Jack also loved spending time hunting and “carousing” with his son and buddies including Mike Sadler, John Miller, Kevin Yeck, Sam Williams, Harry Bearup, and Frank Sokolowski. In recent years Jack loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, writing and telling his stories, and keeping up with his MCC Class of ‘66 Friends Forever group. Jack had an affinity for using quotation marks and date stamping EVERYTHING. A life-long Lions fan, Jack was blessed by going to the Lions vs. Vikings game with his brother and family in Minnesota last December. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play. On May 4, 2024, he walked his youngest daughter down the aisle and was so happy to see her married to a wonderful man. It was the last time the family was together, and it was a day filled with love, smiles, joy, and laughter.
Jack is survived by his three children and their spouses: Jack (Laura) Yeck, Christine (Scott) Fry, and Carolyn (Scott) Buckmaster; four grandchildren and their partners: Natalie Yeck (Isaac Varela), Summer Yeck (Eric Vreede), Chloe Fry (John Collison), and Gabriel Fry; siblings: Doug (Linda) Yeck, Sheryl Flannery, and Kevin (Kathy) Yeck; additional family: Chuck (Kris) Schuch, Ralph Schuch, Wayne Schuch, Ann (Mike) Bauer, and Jim Harryman; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Jack was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Ann Yeck; his loving wife of 49 years, Julie Yeck; sister, Joan Harryman; sisters in-law, Nancy Rembish and Janice Schuch; brothers-in-law, Joe Rembish and Mike Flannery; and his sweet pets Shirley, Lucy, and Sunny. Jack’s family would like to extend special thanks to Robin Swanson for her help with housekeeping and for being a great friend, and also to the Trinity Health Team of doctors and nurses who helped to care for Jack. The family is having a celebration of life on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 3:00 PM, with the Military Honors taking place right at 3:00 PM. Please contact the family for details. We would love everyone to wear something that reminds you of our father, whether it is a motorcycle shirt or Honolulu blue, please help us celebrate his life, love, and passions. Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider donating to Pound Buddies of Muskegon, the Muskegon Rescue Mission, or the Salvation Army. In addition, to honor our father, he would love to have you spread kindness by buying a stranger dinner or thanking a Veteran for their service. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
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