Thomas Jakel

Thomas “Tom” Carl Jakel, age 58, of Curtiss, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022, at UW Madison Hospital surrounded by his children and family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford with Rev. Donald Bruce presiding. Family and friends are welcome to the visitation at the church beginning at 3 p.m. until the service begins. Military honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Tom was born on May 11, 1963, in Marshfield, the son of Carl and Kathryn (Prohaska) Jakel of Curtiss. He graduated from Abbotsford High School and was united in marriage to Rhonda Bargenquast on October 21, 1995. Rhonda preceded him in death on March 26, 2021. Tom was a Master Plumber and a Master Electrician, employed at Aspirus Hospital, Medford.

Tom worked hard and played even harder. He loved the thrill of adventure; you name it, he did it. His favorite pastimes included taking family vacations, especially to Hawaii. He enjoyed snowmobiling in the mountains, riding his Harley, skydiving and scuba diving. When he wasn’t busy flying his plane, he was building an airplane in his garage. Tom knew how to light up a room and he had a smile as big as his sense of humor. His many adventures provided for great stories which he loved to tell with gusto and a hearty laugh. Above all, he cherished his wife and children.

Tom is survived by his two wonderful children: Jesse, who is stationed in San Diego with the U.S. Navy and Josie, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) living in Marshfield. He has two sisters and three brothers: Mike (Sandy) Jakel of Dorchester, Jim (Jenny) Jakel of Abbotsford, Paul (Jean) Jakel of Abbotsford, Kathy (Steve) Katka of Albany, Minn., and Mary Beth “Buffy” Feddick of Abbotsford; one sister-in-law, Karen Jakel of New Lisbon, along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Carl and Kathryn; his wife, Rhonda, and his brother, Chuck.

Tom leaves behind many friends who held him in their prayers during his illness. He had a habit of waving his airplane wings in a friendly flyover hello. Think of him when you see an airplane wave and know he’s on his greatest adventure of all.

Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to Pine Hill Cemetery of Curtiss or The Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 118024