He was born July 23, 1924, in Highland, the son of Christ and Wilhelmina (Weidner) Jakel. On March 5, 1946, he married Lorraine Gertrude (Korte) Jakel.

He attended St. Paul Grade School and graduated from Highland High School in 1942. He farmed east of Grantfork, operating a dairy farm until 1985. He had also worked as a supervisor for Korte Construction and Korte-Luitjohan Construction.

He was a member of St. Paul Church in Highland, a member of Highland Knights of Columbus #1580; 4th Degree Assembly. He was past Grand Knight and received the K. of C. Member and Family of the Year award. He received the Magnificat award during the diocese Jubilee 2003. He was a member of the Helvetia Sharpshooters Society; was a charter member and member of the board of directors of the St. Paul Education Foundation board of directors. He was Saline Township assessor and supervisor for many years and was a founder and member of the Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department. He belonged to the deanery and diocesen pastoral council for Springfield diocese.

He was preceeded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sharon A. Jakel; daughter-in-law Marion Jakel; and brother, Floyd C. Jakel.

Surviving are his wife, Lorraine Gertrude Jakel of Highland; 10 children, Jane G. Deiters, Brad G. Jakel, Joan G. Holtgrave and Don J. Jakel of Highland; Ellen G. Gall and Father Jakel of Troy;  Carl C. Jakel of Breese; Karen A. Jakel of Alton; Dale A. Jakel of Bowling Green, Ky., and Larry G. Jakel of Montgomery, Ala.; 20 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Father Jakel was the celebrant at the funeral Mass on July 6 at St. Paul Church in Highland. Interment was in St. Gertrude Cemetery in Grantfork.

Arrangements were handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Masses, the St. Paul Education Foundation, or St. Paul’s sister parish in Haiti (St. Charles Borromeo).