Robert J Yaklin

Robert James Yaklin, 84, a lifelong Grosse Pointe, Michigan resident, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023 in Naples, Florida after an 8 month courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer surrounded by his loving family.  Bob was born January 13,1939 in Grosse Pointe, the son of Albert and Alice Yaklin. 

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father, a cherished grandfather and great grandfather.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Katy (nee Andries), his daughters Susan Tremaine (Kelly), Mary Jo LeFevre, grandchildren William (Will) LeFevre, Ashley Tremaine, Alexis Lasel (Daniel), great grandson Wesley Lasal and his brother, Michael.

Bob attended St. Paul grade school and Austin Preparatory High School.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy.  Following his military service, Bob returned home, joined the family business, Remke, Inc., and attended Walsh College.  An entrepreneur at heart, Bob left Remke, Inc. in 1977 and started his own business, All-Type Truck Body, Inc. a full-service repair facility for the Michigan and Ohio Beer Association’s fleets.

Bob always enjoyed excellent health, robust exercise, and a good round of golf.  Bob was regularly recruited as a partner for his prowess in both tennis and golf.  His diagnosis was a sudden and difficult ordeal he accepted with a quiet dignity, but he never lost his quick wit.  Bob was a gentle man of high character and integrity.  Throughout his life Bob treasured his family, his many friendships, and he reached out to help others in need.  He enjoyed a well-earned sterling reputation by all who knew him.

An inveterate traveler, he enjoyed a variety of leisure pursuits traveling throughout Europe and Central America with family and friends.  Bob was a voracious reader of history and Indian lore.  His most cherished travel experiences were visiting civil war battle sites as an amateur historian.  Bob was particularly pleased that he instilled in his grandson, Will, a love of history.

Bob was a man of great faith with a particular devotion to Blessed Solanus Casey.  It was his faith that sustained and guided him throughout his life, most notably in his battle with cancer that he accepted with admirable grace.  He enjoyed daily mass and supported the Catholic parishes of St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe, Michigan and St. Ann Church in Naples, Florida.

Bob belonged to Gowanie Golf Club in Michigan, served on their Board of Directors, and was a member of Wilderness Country Club in Naples, FL.

A memorial mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 475 9th Avenue South, Naples, Florida.  A private family burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Solanus Casey Center                      American Cancer Society

1780 Mt. Elliott Street                        www.donate.cancer.org

Detroit, MI 48207                              1 800 227 2345

313 579 2100