Keith A. Jakel

Keith A. Jakel, 55, of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

He was born March 19, 1957, to Vincent J. and Betty J. (nee Wagner) Jakel, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.

Keith was a Field Service Engineer for Vaisala, Inc. for the past 15 years.  He provided training for many of the Field Service Engineers, and was loved by his customers.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.  He was a member of the Moose Club, Knights of Columbus, Highland, IL, ABATE, Sportsmans Club.  He managed a ladies softball team for 15 years.  He didn’t know a stranger.  He loved to ride.  He finally met the love of his life, Dottie, and her son’s, Josh and Logan.  He was a sports fanatic, especially, NASCAR.  He didn’t miss a Sunday taking his dad to Church.  He was a big guy, with a big heart.  He LOVED his new Harley.

He is survived by his father, Vincent Jakel, Highland, IL; 1 brother, Terry (Susan) Jakel, Alhambra, IL; fiance’, Dottie Ratliff, Highland, IL; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of riding buddies.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty J. Jakel; 1 brother, Dennis Jakel; many aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Education Foundation or ABATE.

Visitation: Friday, March 23, 2012, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Rev. Fr. Charles A. Edwards, Pastor

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.