Floyd Valentine Yesh

Retired Firefighter, Floyd Valentine Yesh of Hastings, Michigan, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the age of 81. Floyd or 'Val' was a devoted husband and father of five, who fought as bravely against a challenging heart condition as he fought fires. He now joins the love of his life,  Claudia, who lost her battle with cancer last year.

Born to Floyd and Viola (Lawniczak) Yesh in Sturgis, Michigan, he moved to Battle Creek with his parents and brothers. He graduated from Battle Creek Central high School and earned an associates degree in Accounting and later worked as an apprentice for a baker. He married Claudia Stinnett September 16, 1961 and they spent 61 happy years together. Floyd had always dreamed of being a firefighter and had that dream realized in 1973 when he began working at the Hastings Fire Department. He spent 25 years at the department and was very proud of his work driving fire engines, educating children about fire safety and making chili for the other firefighters.

Claudia and Floyd were well-known in the 1970's for owning Floyd's Fine Foods, Floyd's Donuts and then Firehouse Foods in Hastings, Michigan. Floyd loved grilling outdoors, camping at Gun Lake and fishing with his Grandson. He looked forward to trips to Detroit to watch the Red Wings and Tigers games. One of his most treasured moments was getting to hold the Stanley Cup. Claudia and Floyd loved to go to the Casinos but especially enjoyed watching their grandchildren play baseball and ice hockey. Floyd was very proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments.

Floyd was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and three of his five brothers. He is survived by his daughters Laurie Quada, Monica Yesh of Richland MI, Angela (Kristi) Orlik-Yesh of Mundelein, IL, Valerie (Jeff) Kares of Augusta, MI, and son Floyd Yesh of Grand Rapids, MI. He is also survived by his grandkids, Crystal, Cory, Nicole, Dominic, Evan, Gabe, Miles, Ophelia and Dorian as well as great-grandchildren Breanna, Keagan, Bryson, Madison and Cayden, and his brothers: Robert, Allen and Dennis.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Hastings Fire Department, 110 E Mill Street; Hastings, MI 49058 Donations can be made to the Hastings Fire Department or Elara Caring Hospice in lieu of flowers. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.