Robert Gustav Yeske

ST. JOSEPH – Robert Gustav Yeske, 88, of St. Joseph, passed peacefully at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Robert was born February 21, 1925 in St. Joseph, MI., the fifth of eight children born to Edward H. and Grace (Kerlikowske) Yeske. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and served his country in the U.S. Army in the battle of Saipan during WWII. He and his wife, Ruth along with his brother, Donald and Arletta Yeske owned and operated Yeske’s Appliances in Benton Harbor. After retiring from the store, he was a driver for many auto dealerships in the St. Joseph area. He was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Church in St. Joseph where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He served as head usher, Sunday School Treasurer, Building Committee Secretary, Assistant Church Treasurer, Advisor for the youth fellowship and cooked and served with the church group for the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen. Bob was always active and loved to play tennis. As a Boy Scout leader, he accompanied Troop 623 as the governor’s honor guard on Mackinac Island. He was a life-time member of the St. Joseph Elk Lodge, BPOE 541. He has delighted his children and grandchildren with his love for playing cards and board games. He loved baseball and the Chicago Cubs. Robert will be remembered by his family and friends as a genuine, loving, caring father, grandfather and friend. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and his gentle nature. Robert is survived by his wife, Ruth Elaine (Sawyer) Yeske, sons David (Linda)Yeske and Chris (Melissa) Yeske, all of St. Joseph; Grandsons, Jason (Rebecca) Yeske of Macomb Twp, Michigan, Douglas (Judy) Briney of Cassopolis, Steven (Rebecca) Yeske of Cassopolis, Gil (Lindsey) Bouley of Kalamazoo; granddaughters, Lydia Yeske of South Haven, Cameron Bouley of Baroda; brother, Donald (Arletta) Yeske of St. Joseph, sister, Betty (Stanley) Lippert of Benton Twp; ten great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at St. Peter’s Church, 623 Church St., St. Joseph with Pastor Gail Holman officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or St. Peter’s Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Robert online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.