Ronald Yake, M.D. (NS ’71)

Ronald Favorite Yake was born August 3, 1935 in Huntington, Indiana to Herbert Jennings and Helen (Favorite) Yake. He passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at his home in Fontana. Dr. Ronald F. Yake, M.D., was a singular man, he served as a meat inspector in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958, stationed primarily in Dublin, Ireland, This formative experience led him to pursue a career in medicine using the G.I. Bill upon his return to the states. He attended Jacksonville State University, where he met his beautiful wife, Kathryn, and then attended medical school at the University of Alabama. He was top of his class, and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. From there, he trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for neurosurgery before starting a private practice in Rockford, Illinois, working primarily at St. Anthony’s Hospital. After retirement, he spent the last 13 years of his life in Fontana, Wisconsin. He was truly extraordinary, a brilliant Renaissance man well versed in many diverse subjects. His generosity, thoughtfulness, and passion for excellence serve as an enduring example to all he encountered; his beloved daughters and grandchildren most especially. Dr. Ronald is survived by his daughters Randi Barbón, Rosalind (Mark) Meyer, and Suzanne (Karl) Floody; grandchildren Kathryn and Rachel Barbón, J. Kyle and Erin Davis, Sawyer Meyer, and Samantha and Annalise Floody; sister Roxie Moore; brother Wayne (Tina) Yake; sister-in-law Margaret Yake as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathryn, whom he married on September 2, 1961 in Jacksonville, Alabama; his daughter Lisa Kathryn Yake; sister Charlotte (Donald) Vollmar and brother Terry Yake.

Service will be at a later date in Jacksonville, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org. Local arrangements were handled by Toynton’s Walworth Funeral Home, (262) 275-2171