Alan Thomas Yeats
Alan was born and raised in Iowa and graduated from Mount Vernon High School and Iowa State University. He was staff for political campaigns after graduating, most notably Bill Richardson for President and Tom Udall for United States Senate, for which he moved to New Mexico. He managed a bar in his hometown of Mount Vernon, spent summers on a lobster boat and doing construction with his uncles in Massachusetts, drove a forklift and managed a loading dock at Kraft/Heinz in Cedar Rapids, and was finally a General Supervisor of the Core Department at the Grede foundry in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Everywhere Alan worked, he found success starting at the entry level and moving up during his time there.
Alan was a talented musician and loved music – playing upright bass and bass guitar since he was a child. He played Dungeons & Dragons, watched Star Trek, cheered for the Cyclones and the Red Sox (and later the Bucks and the Brewers).
Alan was uproariously funny, able to visit and form friendships with literally anyone, kind and generous to animals and humans of all ages, and loyal to his friends. He believed deeply in fighting for fairness and standing up for underdogs – even when he stood alone. He enjoyed giving friends and family a hard time and getting it right back, but his thoughtfulness and gentleness meant it was never mean-spirited.
He is survived by his parents, Robert Yeats and Deborah Dakin of Mount Vernon, Iowa; his brothers Karl (Maria Elena) of Parkland, Florida and Evan (Ashley) of Washington, DC; and his sister Laura (Brett) of Waterloo, Iowa; and extended family including his nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends. He was notably preceded in death by his beloved dog, Layla, and his uncles Rick, Mikol, and Bob and his cousin Ricky.
A memorial service in the manner of Friends for Alan Yeats will be held 1:00 p.m., September 23, 2023 at Whittier Friends Meetinghouse, Whittier, Iowa, with a wake to follow at a location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alan’s memory to the ACLU of Iowa, the Food Bank of Baraboo, or a charity of your choice.
Alan was kind and funny and so intelligent!
My heart goes out to all of his family and friends who feel his loss, gone far too soon!
I was blessed to have known him.
What a terrible sadness to lose your son. Our hearts are with you.
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Alan was an amazing presence to be around, always stood up for the underdog and fought for what was right! He was a one of a kind, unconditional friend to my brother Troy and we will miss him dearly. May peace and clarity be with you at this difficult time 💗
Dear Deborah & Bob –
While we didn’t know Alan personally, we do know that he must have been a very special, wonderful person, since you are
special and wonderful. Jane and I send our deepest condolences — and love and hugs to you both.
– David Hempel / Jane Walker
Deb, Bob, and the Yeats family. My deepest condolences. I am so sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. He sounded like a wonderful person and would’ve loved to meet him. Wishing you all well and sending my love to you.
I just now heard about your unimaginable loss and reading these notes has left me feeling devastated at the thought of such a wonderful human being gone. I have no words, but will be thinking of you, and sending my hope that your memories will sustain you. It certainly does sound like he packed an amazing amount of living into his entirely too short life.
Dear Bob and Deb,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your sudden loss of Alan. My heart goes out to both of you.
With kind, compassionate regard,
Catherine Woods (formerly Lasocki)
I have a memory of 2-year-old Alan that I return to often. It was the only time I met him, and has served through my life as a joyful reminder of a child’s determination and creative abandon. He was following a video of Dick Van Dyke as a chimney sweep, step for step and word for word, using an umbrella as his prop. Over and over and over. Many times I have striven to channel that kid’s clarity and dedication. He made my world better. Thank you for bringing him to us, Deborah and Bob.
Deb and Bob – I am so very sorry to learn of your terrible loss. I know any kid of yours would be special, and reading Alan’s obituary confirms that he was indeed. It is so tragic to lose him so young, and when we desperately need his light in the world. My heart hurts for you. I am holding you and your family in the light.
This news is absolutely heartbreaking. Though I didn’t know him, I went to school with Debbie and know her to be an amazing human being. I’m sending deepest condolences to the family.
Alan, you were a great guy. Funny, kind, and incredibly smart. One of my first memories of you was in fifth grade when Mrs. Tepper asked us to come up with a list of spelling words that the class would then have to memorize for the week. Most of us (fifth graders) came up with words you would expect from a fifth grader (e.g., trophy, neighbor, Antarctica, etc). Not Alan. Alan’s word was Deoxyribonucleic acid. I remember that he also knew how to spell it. Like I said, smart. Rest in peace, Alan.
Oh, Deb, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and sending hugs.
Gail
We hold you In the Light throughout this difficult time. Greenwich Meeting in Down Jersey also holds you In the Light. Even though we did not know Alan, you are a long-time friend whose sorrow we feel deeply.
Bob, Deb, and family— while I never met Alan, from what I just read he was one very special young man and achieved one success after another for which I’m sure you’ve been proud. My heart goes out to you on this shocking loss. Please know you are very much in my thoughts. May he rest in peace.
Deb and Bob,
We are so very sorry to see this news for you and your family. We remember his smile and quiet personality. He was such a bright light. We are thinking of you with much love.
Bob and Deb, We did not know Alan, but know the pain of losing a beloved son. Alan sounds like a great guy who will be sorely missed. Our love and prayers to you and your whole family. May God hold you in his Light during this hard time.
Bob and Deborah:
We hold you in the light and pray the peace and presence of the Lord will surround you and comfort you.
May the gift of divine life within, which ensures reunions beyond death, provide sustaining hope during this time of grief.
With Love
Daniel & Denise
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you day by day. Sending loving light to surround and guide.
Sorry to hear this. He was a great guy. Great boss. He will be missed.
I live in the apartment next to where Alan lived. Absolutely wonderful person and neighbor. Kind heart and soul. He loved the homemade dinners I’d make and share with him – he will be greatly missed.
Deborah and Bob, my heart breaks at this news. Holding all who love him in the Light. May your memories and love sustain you.
I’ve got a lot of respect for Alan because he was authentic, witty, and approachable in a world where those qualities are rare. This whole family is awesome and I’m sorry they’re hurting right now. I think the last time I saw him in person I watched him order a shot of Rumple Minze by yelling “Bartender! Take me down to Rumple town!” and I think we’re all a little better off knowing that’s one way you can do it.
Deborah and Bob, I’m so very saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful son. I’m holding you both in my heart.
Dear Bob and Deborah,
What a shocking and unexpected loss. I join others who have now met Alan through your loving description of him, and of his life. We have all lost a good, caring and loving presence in the world. I’ll be holding both of you in my heart with daily awareness of your unfathomable loss. My hand in yours, Peter
Bob and Deborah-sending love and support to help carry you through this very difficult time -may all of these expressions and wishes give you solace-Bill and Martha
Alan was one of a kind! He was so kind to everyone and could make you laugh even if you didn’t want to. He had such a musical talent. Alan will be missed by so many. Prayers to the family.
Deborah and Bob – I continue to hold you all in the Light, knowing that you are in a really difficult place right now. Knowing you two, and having read his obituary, I can tell he was a terrific man and a wondrous joyful friend to all he encountered. Wish I had a chance to know him personally, but am grateful to know the two of you. My heart is aching for you.
Peace.
Oh my, Such heartbreak. I’m so sorry this has happened. Sending you much love from here.
Dear Bob and Deb,
I’m so sorry to hear of Alan’s death–sending you my love.
Deb and Bob, I am deeply saddened to hear of your unexpected loss. We all hold you and your family in the Light of God’s love. Tenderly, Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Clerk, Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting
Alan, I am very saddened by your passing. I am glad I had the opportunity to work with you and be a friend. Rest in Peace, buddy. 😭
Well Allen I’ll see you in the next it was nice working with you
Deb and Bob,
We were so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He and Sarah were in touch online, and she considered him a good friend.
Time will help, though the loss of a child, as Mary and I are well aware, is something that you will carry with you forever.
Our heartfelt condolences,
David and Mary
I am in shock, as I’m sure many people are also. May all the best memories return in waves as you grieve. I recall with fondness our lives as neighbors on Second Ave. North, while the kids were all growing up. It appears Alan led a very full and productive life, and I’m grateful to read about it. Tender mercies for you, Deb and Bob, as you carry such a heavy load as parents. Love from across the miles,
Abbi and Paul
Alan was the best of the best, and for sure one of a kind. What an amazing friend, this world was blessed to have him a part of it. You will be missed. So many memories, and good times. Jason and I send our deepest sympathies to Alan’s family. Holding all of you close in our hearts.
Holding Deb and Bob and all of Al’s family and friends in the Light. Sending much love,
Jon Krieg
Alan was truly one of a kind. You just don’t meet someone like him every day. He became friends w my son, Troy, in middle school and I thought their personalities couldn’t be more opposite. But at their core they were so much alike, esp when it came to knowing how to be a loyal friend and to appreciate great music. When Alan was here my house was filled with lively and loud discussions accompanied by plenty of laughter. Many Euchre games were played in my basement while music was blasting and then other times it was guitars playing an iconic song. He made his mark with my whole family and I’m grateful, but not surprised, his friendship remained throughout the years. We will all greatly miss that friendship. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and the many, many friends who knew him.
Alan was a friend of my daughter, Annika. Before he knew my name to referred to me as “Momika”. I thought that was so sweet. I didn’t see him often and always came away with a smile on my face after an interaction with him. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I’m greatly saddened by this loss.
I am thankful that I got to know and play music with Alan, the world has less melody today than yesterday.
I was fortunate to know Alan while working for Karen Thornton at Big Creek Market from 2002-2004. He approached life with curiosity, exuberance, and humor. I appreciated how mellow and easygoing he was. I am deeply saddened to hear that he is no longer with us. As I read the obituary, I see that his kindness and warmth impacted many others similarly. My condolences to the Yeats family.
Sis Deb and Bro Bob, I am truly sorry for you lost. You guys have my deepest condolences and prayers. I didn’t know Alan personally but parents like you all, I know he was an exceptional human being. May Yahweh grant you all and your family comfort and peace. Much love to you both🙏🏽
Alan was one of a kind and he will be missed dearly. He befriended my brothers wholeheartedly and therefore become like a brother to me and I will forever be grateful for that.❤️
Our deepest sympathy. It was a privilege to know Alan.
Al was exceptionally kind, thoughtful, and caring-truly a tremendous friend to those lucky enough to call him that.
I hope he’s up there having a proper romp with Layla. Good night sweet prince!
I’m so sorry for the tragic loss of your son. Wishing you all peace. Much love–
Deb and Bob,
You obviously raised a kid who brought goodness to his world. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol
You’re one of the best human beings that I’ve ever encountered, and I’m grateful that you were my friend. I’m going to miss you, Alan.
Deb,
You and Bob and your family are deep in my heart right now. Holding you all in prayer.
Deb, Robert, and the Yeats Family~
We are so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. May God bless you all with His mighty peace.
My condolences on the passing of your son, Alan. You will be in my thoughts. Peace
Alan was as smart as he was funny, on top of being a talented musician and a genuinely kind, principled person. Some of my best memories were made with Alan–traveling to Spain in high school, going to music festivals in Canada during college. It crushes me that he is gone. I’ve truly never met anyone like Alan and I doubt I ever will.
See you in the next life, friend.
You’ll be missed my friend, so many great memories with you in mount Vernon and Iowa State. Rest in peace buddy
The greatest honor any of us can achieve in life is to be missed when we are gone. Alan, my friend, you will definitely be missed.
Alan was such an incredible person in a multitude of ways. He was truly one of a kind. The void left by his passing will never be filled. Rest in peace my friend.
I miss you so much, Alan.
Alan was in my fourth grade class and I admired him for his kindness, talent and intellect. What a loss. My sincerest ondolences to his family and friends.
It was a privilege to know Alan. I have so many memories of him and there’s not one that doesn’t make me smile. He was a great friend and I will miss him dearly.
So sorry for your lost RIP Alan