Dale Ernest Jakel
Dale Ernest Jakel came into this world on October 30, 1930 in Curtiss, Wisconsin. Dale passed away on Good Friday, April 10, 2020 at his home in Adams, Wisconsin. He was the 7th child born to Anna Theresa (Wasmuth) and Charles Jakel. In all, he had 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
In 1949, Dale graduated from Abbotsford High School. During his high school years, his summers were spent in Kingfisher, Oklahoma working for his brother-in-law and sister (Paul and Lucille Stiner). He followed the wheat harvest from Oklahoma to the northern United States at the end of each summer.
In 1951, Dale enlisted in the Navy Seabees and proudly served in La Crosse, Cuba, and Guam. He received an honorable discharge in 1955.
In 1952, Dale met the love of his life on a blind date. Dale and Rita (Hirt) exchanged eternal vows in 1956 at Holy Rosary Church in Medford, Wisconsin. The most important thing to Dale from the day he said I do, to the day he took his last breath, was taking care of his beautiful bride.
Dale graduated from UW Stevens Point in 1959 with a degree in Conservation. After graduation, he worked for the National Park Service. In 1963, Dale obtained his dream job as a Soil Scientist for the USDA. Before retiring in 1993, he moved his family 15 times due to transfers with his job. Dale had a passion for his job and took immense pride in the contributions he made to the Wisconsin agricultural community.
Dale and Rita had 4 kids, John (Mavis) Jakel of Chippewa Falls, Ann (Peggy) Jakel Stormoen of Sun Prairie, Karen (Lance) Hover of Friendship, Laura (Amy) Pascoe of Sheboygan. Dale bestowed upon his children Christian values, the importance of education, a strong work ethic, passion for the outdoors, and love of card games and ping pong (even how to cheat a little if needed). One of his greatest joys was watching the Cubs win the World Series. He found pleasure and fulfillment in the many hours he and Rita spent volunteering in Barron, Wisconsin.
Dale was very proud of all his beautiful granddaughters Mary Parker, Christine Wathke, Dr. Leah Hover-Preiss and Dayle Rhinehart. They had a very special place in his heart. He often told each one of them that she was his favorite. He was blessed with 5
great-grandchildren, Teresa, Adalyn, Emma, Aiden, and Harper. They find peace in knowing they have a special angel watching over them now.
He was welcomed into heaven by his daughter-in-law (Mavis), mother, father, 8 siblings (Arnold, Elmer, Elaine, Lucille, Carl, Bob, Dennis, and Beatrice), and his in-laws (Clara and Louis Hirt, Lester Hirt and Patty George) along with other family and friends.
Those here to carry on his legacy and share his many amazing stories include his wife, four children, four granddaughters, five great-grandchildren, in-laws (Bernice Jakel, Willis Duncan, Joan & Robert Ness) many nieces and nephews, and all the people he welcomed into his circle of family.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12th, 2021 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship. Father David Bruener will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday, June 12th, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure SMA at curesma.org or Cure SMA, 925 Busse Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. This charity was dear to Dale’s heart as his great-granddaughter lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Rita, Ann, Peggy, I always enjoyed my times with you when we happened to be together! Dale, as you watch over loved ones from heaven, keep an eye out for me too 😉, thanks for your friendship, I love you all.
Rita and family-so sad to hear about Dale. Seeing you holding hands at church and on walks around Barron filled my heart knowing that love can last FOREVER.A true inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know him.Gods speed
Rita and Family – Keith and I are so sad to hear of the passing of Dale. He held a very special place in our hearts. Keith was very honored to have Dale as one of his mentors when joining the USDA Soil Scientist group in Barron, WI. He will be missed. One day the memory will not bring you sadness but will put a smile on your face. Our sincerest sympathy to your family.
Rota and family-friendly my condolences.to you all. I was able to get to know Dale and Rita a.little while working with them. Bless you both!
So sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He was a good friend and co-worker. Dale helped my wife and I to feel welcome in the Barron community.
Rita and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I can still picture him at Mass in Barron and the two of you ushering. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rita, I am so sorry to learn of Dale’s passing. Peace be with you and your family.
Dear Rita & Family. So sorry for your loss. I always took pleasure in seeing the two of you at Mass & exercise class. He was a joy to know.
Karen & family so sorry for your loss.
Karen, Lance and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I talked with him a couple times after exercise class and once at the library when he came to order a book about trees in Northern Wisconsin. He was such a kind and gentle soul. I know he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending love and prayers.
I am very sorry for Rita’s loss. I was named after Uncle Spud. My middle name is Dale. My mom , Lucille, often was reminded of her brother in my presence. I have always felt a fond conection to a man I only met a few times.
Our condolences to Rita and family. Dale enriched our lives just knowing him. We are going to miss our travel/cards buddy. God bless.
Please send my sympathy to Rita and family.
I am sorry to hear about Dale’s passing. He graduated from UWSP the year before I joined the faculty, but I knew him through WSPSS meetings and field trips. I enjoyed his personality and his dedication to Soil Science.
I am sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He was a true gentleman. I enjoyed Dale at various soil scientist meetings and workshops. It was always a pleasure visiting with him. Thank you Rita and family for sharing him with us.
Karen, Leah and Jakel family, Sorry to learn about your loss. In reading the obituary, it was evident he lived a wonderful life that has left lasting memories that will be cherished forever.
Karen and Family, thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sorry for your loss Ann and family! Hugs, Thoughts, and Prayers are with you!!
I always enjoyed working with Dale. We had fun together on and off the job. He was a first class soil scientist. My condolences go out to Rita and the rest of the Jakel family.
Karen, Dayle and families,
Your dad/grandfather lived what sounds like a very productive and long life. Our sympathy to all.
Ann and family – Please accept our prayers and condolences on the passing of your father
Karen and Family— I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
My condolences to your family on the passing of your father.
Jakel family, I’m sorry to hear of your father’s death. May your memories comfort you during this time.