Donald J. Yonkers

Donald J. Yonkers, age 96 of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Lakeshore Assisted Living-Simarron Residence. He was born on May 28, 1927 in Muskegon, MI to the late John and Alice (Bouwman) Yonkers. Don married Erma J. Smit on September 14, 1951 in Grand Rapids, MI. She preceded him in death on June 24, 2020, after 68 years of marriage.

Don graduated from high school and went on to proudly serve his country in the US Navy, from 1945 to 1946, during World War II. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he went on to work as a Lineman for Consumers Power, retiring after 39 years.

Don was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Holland. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid fisherman who especially loved to go ice fishing. Don’s biggest joy in life was his grandchildren whom he took on numerous fishing trips and always included treats from the Whippi-Dip. He loved being a grandpa who faithfully attended his grandchildren’s sporting events, and he and Erma lovingly fed the grandkids breakfast at “Grandma’s Diner” before taking them to school during the week.

Don will be forever remembered and missed by his two daughters, Cathy (Dan) Shaw of Hart, MI and Susan (Chris) Winkelman of Grand Haven, MI; daughter-in-law, Susan Yonkers of Spring Lake, MI; grandchildren: Ryan (Tonya) Winkelman, Chelsea Winkelman; Steven (Krystina) Shaw; Jacob Shaw, and Sarah Shaw (Erin Dunne); six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Jim Yonkers in 2019; great-grandson, Charles Dunne-Shaw in 2023; and brothers, Harvey and Maurice Yonkers.

The Funeral Service for Don will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Holland, with Pastor Kenneth Klett officiating. Visitation will be held immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand Haven Christian School or the Mission Program at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

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