Vincent J. Jakel

Vincent J. Jakel, 90, of Highland, IL, died Monday, January 18, 2016, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.

Vince was born August 20, 1925, to John and Mary (nee Pfister) Jakel at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, Illinois. On November 15, 1947, he married Betty Jane Wagner at St. Paul Church, Highland, IL.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, the Knights of Columbus, and the Optimist Club. He worked at Alton Box Board, later Smurfit Stone and now Rock Tenn, for 42 years, retiring as Plant Manager.

He played baseball when he was young and continued after high school with the Millersburg Wolves. He coached Khoury League baseball from 1957 through 1970 and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan. Vince liked to play euchre and pinochle, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Terry (Susan) Jakel, Highland, IL; niece, Betty Jean Kombrink, Pierron, IL; nephew, Junior (Betty Mae) Haberer, Pierron, IL; several other nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Jakel; his wife of 59 years, Betty Jakel (2007); sons, Dennis Jakel (1969) and Keith Jakel (2012); sisters, Sylvia Haberer Kleber and Gladys Schwierjohn.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Education Foundation.

Visitation: Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Friday, January 22, 2016, from 8:00 to 9:30 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, January 22, 2016, at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Rev. Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor.

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.