Karen A. Jakel

January 21, 1955 - August 12, 2019

Karen Agnes Jakel, of Alton, IL, formerly of Grantfork, entered into rest August 12, 2019 at Alton, IL. Karen was born January 21, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland IL. Karen was developmentally disabled. She lived at home with her family until age 6. After that she lived at a home for the developmentally disabled in Lincoln, IL and then Warren Murray Center in Centralia, IL. For the past 29 years she has lived at Main Street CILA group home with 7 peers. She attended William M. BeDell-ARC 5 days a week doing assembly work which she enjoyed. Karen liked walking around her home and talking, even though only those closest to her at the home could partially understand what she was saying. She also liked helping others. She loved to eat, with ice cream being her favorite food. Her favorite staff member was Asia. When Asia wasn’t working Karen was always looking for her and asking where she was. Karen was the daughter of Harvey and Lorraine (nee Korte) Jakel. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Sharon who died at 13 days of age, her father Harvey Jakel on 7/1/2009, her mother Lorraine Jakel on 5/28/2014, and her sister-in-law Marion (nee Allen) Jakel on 11/2/2008. Survivors include: Brother - Carl C. (Margaret) Jakel of Breese, IL Brother - Dale A. (Cindy) Jakel of Bowling Green, KY Sister - Jane G. (David) Deiters of Highland, IL Sister - Ellen G. (Randall) Gall of St. Jacob, IL Brother - Father Pat G. Jakel of Highland, IL Brother - Brad G. (Julie) Jakel of Highland, IL Brother - Larry G. (Debra) Jakel of Alexander City, AL Sister - Joan G. (Marvin) Holtgrave of Highland, IL Brother - Don J, (Kari) Jakel of Highland, IL Karen is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A private Funeral Mass will be held, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Grantfork, with Fr. Pat G. Jakel, presiding. A Private Rite of Committal will be held at St. Gertrude Catholic Cemetery, Grantfork. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to Highland Council #1580 Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive for the Developmentally Disabled.