Birth date: Oct 8, 1942 Death date: Jun 18, 2024
Daniel James Yakes, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan on October 8, 1942, to James and Genevieve Yakes. Daniel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanne; son, Matthew Yakes of Mon Read Obituary
Mr. Yakes had become my neighbor and my friend. When his garage burned in the middle of the night and threatened to burn his home as he and his wife slept, it was my husband and I that woke Mr. and Mrs. Yakes and got them out of their home. As a thank you, Mr. Yakes gifted us with his books from his Cross River Rivals collection, for which I will be forever grateful. Mr. Yakes was a good man and I miss him.
Dr. Yakes was unbelievably kind and generous. What a scholar! Dan hired me as an adjunct instructor in sociology in 2007, not long before his retirement. When I was teaching evening courses he would frequently be there to insure adjuncts received assistance if needed. I was hired in 2011 as a full time sociology instructor at Muskegon Community College and I am there to this day. None of that was possible without Dr Yakes! What a great gift of a man!
-Nicholas Budimir
It was the spring of 1971 that I took one of his classes at MCC.
Good teacher, smart guy-he really challenged our class. You had to be prepared, especially for exams.
He had a unique sense of humor that only some of us appreciated.
I talked to him last July in Montague during the Aquastar White Lake history tours. It was great to see him. I told him that I remembered how firm, yet fair, he was.
So sorry to read this. He was a fine man and an excellent history instructor.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Yakes.
Its been just over 50 years since I took Anthropology with Mr. YAKES. I enjoyed the class so much that I nearly changed my major. My condolences to the family. May God's Grace and Mercy bring Comfort and Peace to you all. Now and in the days to come.
Mary Diane Kies-McFarland
We are thinking of you.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Shoreline Memorial Services - Whitehall
