Daniel J. Yakes' Obituary
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 Montague; 2 grandchildren, Katherine A. Yakes and Alexander J. Yakes; 2 sisters, Mary Payne of Montague and Kathrine Yakes of Port Huron, MI; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Grace Schmude.Dan received his M.Ph. and Ph.D. degrees in American Studies from the University of Kansas and a B.A. and M.A. in History from Western Michigan University. He had also studied at the University of Colorado, the University of Virginia, and John Hopkins University. He was the author or co-author of several books on various aspects of Muskegon and White Lake area history. He co-authored (with Hugh Hornstein) The Many Lives of Muskegon and Muskegon: First Hand, both of which were used in a course on Muskegon Area History that they taught at Muskegon Community College. His more recent publications include Looking Aft: A history of the White Lake Yacht Club and White Lake Tourism, Abner's Flock: The Sesquicentennial History of the Montague Methodist Church, and (with Dr. Steve Demos) An Illustrated History of the Muskegon Country Club, Centennial, 1908 - 2008, Logging the White (a history of the logging and lumbering industry on the White River and White Lake) and (with Connie Navarro) A New Home in the North (a history of the Mexican-American experience in Muskegon and western Michigan. He taught courses in Anthropology, United States History, and Michigan History and was chairman of the Social Science Department at Muskegon Community College for many years prior to his retirement in 2008.No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lakeshore Museum Center www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Shoreline Memorial Services of Whitehall Ph 231-893-5300
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