John "Jack" Yedinak's Obituary
Mr. John "Jack" Yedinak, age 83 of Grand Haven, Michigan and Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Jack was born on December 29, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Jean (Love) Yedinak. On July 8, 1963, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Puplava in Grand Haven, Michigan beginning a marriage that spanned 62 wonderful years.
Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict and remained active in veterans' organizations throughout his life, including the American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven, MI, and a life member of Post 131 in Green Valley, AZ. He also belonged to several fraternal organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1200 in Grand Haven, MI - where he served as an Exalted Ruler, and a life member of Elks 2592 in Green Valley, AZ; member of the Grand Haven, MI Knights of Columbus; Fraternal Order of Eagles in Grand Haven, MI; and the Loyal Order of Moose, #1964 Tucson, AZ.
Jack was also deeply involved in his community where he served proudly for 9 years as a volunteer for the Grand Haven, MI Department of Public Safey, and 12 years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department as an Auxiliary Volunteer (S.A.V) in Green Valley, AZ. He was a member of the Air & Space Forces Association for 30 years and a member of the Air Force Museum Foundation for 40 years. Jack also enjoyed being a volunteer tour guide for 4 years at the Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley, AZ where he shared his joy, smile, passion and honor for all things military with thousands of tourists each year.
Jack was a member of the Green Valley Country Club in Arizona where he treasured his true love for golf and the time spent on the course with his family. Above all else, he cherished being with his grandchildren, taking great pride in each of them and delighting in every moment they shared together. His warmth, sense of humor, and devotion to family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Mary Ellen, and by the family who brought him the greatest joy. He was a proud father to three children; daughter Jean Crosby (husband James), with whom he shared the joy of watching their children Jordan, Kelly and Isaiah (wife Mariah) grow, and later welcoming Jordan's sons Connor and Collin; son John A. Yedinak (wife Jenny), who blessed him with five grandchildren, including John (JP), Jacob, Ciara, Anthony, and Luke; and daughter Teresa Carroll (husband Tom), who brought him great happiness.
Jack is also survived by his brother, James Yedinak, and his family. He was a caring uncle to Tracy Koers (husband Nick), and a great-uncle to their son Ben. Jack was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Young-Hee Yedinak, who remains fondly remembered within the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, May 1st, 2026, at the American Legion, Post 28 in Grand Haven, MI. Memorial contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please sign the family's online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
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