All Obituaries

Alexandria Anne Yonkman age 31 of McBain passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on April 19, 2024. Alex was born on April 2, 1993 in Cadillac to Dennis and Lori (Brink) Yonkman.

Alexandria attended McBain Public School from pre-school to her graduation in 2011 as Salutatorian of her class. She was a cheer-leader starting in the 3rd grade and continued through her senior year when she was Captain of the team. She was involved in band from the 5th grade through her senior year when she was the Drum Majorette for the football season. She traveled to Disneyland with the band to perform. Alex was a student at Central Michigan University, she studied to be a Sports Medicine Physical Therapist. She worked at Lakeside Charlies through her high school and college years until being diagnosed with cancer. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cadillac as a young child and currently attended Resurrection Life Church in Cadillac.

She was a very active member of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post #110 where she held the treasurer’s position. She was a member of the Buckley Steam Engine Show and was in charge of the flea market and information/graphics and ads for their publication booklet. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #531 and Women of the Moose #298, where she did the pictures for the Children’s Easter & Christmas programs. She also started “Steak-O” at the Moose Lodge. She was the centerpiece of a “Crowns of Courage” following her amputation that was part of “Art Prize” in Grand Rapids in 2017. She enjoyed crafting-including unique shirts & graphics. She loved designing and making special occasion cakes and gourmet cupcakes and many other items for family, friends, and bake sales. She loved her lily garden, her cats, and dogs. Most of all her love for her two children, her family, and friends were her determination and strength to fight for everyday she had.

Ales is survived by her special significant other; Jake Jacobsen of McBain, children; Ariana Yonkman and Tristan Yonkman of McBain, parents; Dennis & Lori Yonkman of McBain, siblings; Katherine (Josh) McEachran of Traverse City and Victoria (Darrin) Mosher of McBain, nieces and nephews; Caiden, MaKinna, Ethan, Jerrett, Liberty, and Abigail, Maternal grandparents; Richard and Diane Brink of Winona Lake, Indiana, and many aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by a sister; Christine Yonkman, grandparents; Judith Spencer and Jerry Yonkman, great grandparents; Doris and William Brink, great grandmother; Gracye Barlow, great grandparents; Simo and Gertrude Sluiter.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Resurrection Life Church at Cadillac with Pastors Dave McMahon and Kevin Gregory officiating. Burial will take place in the Lucas Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and from noon until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for expenses. A luncheon will follow at the Cadillac Moose Lodge #531 on Boon Road in Cadillac. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and thoughts and prayers may be left at www.burkholderfunerals.com