WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ronald James Yake, 68, of Sturgis, passed away Friday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2010, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born Oct. 26, 1941, in Fawn River Township, Michigan a son of the late William and Clarice (Gilbert) Yake.
Ron was a lifelong Sturgis-area resident and graduated from Brighton High School in Brighton, Ind., with the class of 1959.
On Sept. 13, 1959, he married Sandra Bauman at Sturgis Wesleyan Church in Sturgis.
He had been employed as a tool and die maker with the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 42 years until the business closed.
He was currently working for Miller’s grocery stores in Sturgis and LaGrange, Ind.
Ron truly loved farming and was always involved in raising livestock, including pigs, goats, cows and horses and also field crops.
He attended Calvary Chapel in Sturgis and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving with the Tank Brigade during the Vietnam War.
Ron enjoyed his farming and fishing, but what filled his life with happiness and joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always there for his grandchildren and enjoyed being a part of their many activities, including 4-H, where he helped them with the showing of their hogs, horses, cattle, dogs and any other events in which they were involved. He also never missed a sporting event involving his grandchildren, and they could always count on him to attend their football, soccer baseball games.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 45 years, Sandra; a daughter, Ginger Grace of Sturgis; eight grandchildren, Crystal (John) Mingus, Scotty Yake, David Zook, Natasha Yake, Tiffany Yake, Kyle Yake, Zach Yake and Josh Yake; a step-granddaughter, Mackenzie Grace; a great-granddaughter, Taylor Borkholder; a sister, Gretchen (Robert) Fink of Sturgis; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Scott Allen Yake and William C. “Bill” Yake; a son-in-law, Ronnie Grace; and two sisters, Mahilda Notestine and Thelma Lego.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ronald Yake will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Calvary Chapel, 66969 N. Centerville Road, Sturgis. Pastor Tom Miller will officiate.
Private burial of the ashes will take place at Pretty Prairie Cemetery in Howe, Ind., at a later date.
Memorial donations would to the family be appreciated, c/o Sandra Yake, 30239 E. Lafayette Road, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
