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Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home - Alma

531 N State St.

Alma, Michigan

Verlyn Jakolat Obituary

Jakolat, Verlyn Verlyn John "Vern" Jakolat, age 87, of Alma, passed away February 10, 2018 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Gratiot. He was born in Grand Rapids the son of John and Viola (Mueller) Jakolat. He served his Country in the United States Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge on June 19, 1953. Vern married Mary Alice Sironen on September 8, 1956 in Grand Rapids. He was a faithful and active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Alma since 1968 and a founding member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Vern's mid-Michigan career centered on his role as service manager at Cameron's Chrysler Dodge dealership in St. Louis, and Goodyear Tire in Alma. He was active in the community serving as volunteer firefighter and as a member of the Jaycees, both in Walker Michigan. He and Mary were the inspiration for the Jakolat Family Endowed Scholarship at Central Michigan University, dedicated to providing scholarship funds for mid-Michigan students. Vern will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and humor. He was always ready with a hug, a handshake, a smile, and a good joke. Vern is survived by his children, Michael Jakolat (wife Jody) and Cheryl (Jakolat) Gulick (husband Rich), six grandchildren Rachel (Gulick) Smith (husband Tom), Nicholas Gulick (wife Ashleigh), Michael (Drew) Jakolat, Sara (Jakolat) Donofrio (husband Tom), Katelyn Jakolat and Nicholas Jakolat, and five great grandchildren Emelia Donofrio, Madison Gulick, Noah Gulick, Elizabeth Gulick, and Elijah Gulick. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and wife of 59 years, Mary in 2016. Mary was the light of his life and Vern missed her sorely the last two years of his life. Heaven is a more joyful place with the two of them together again. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Thomas C. Messer officiating. Guests are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. A private interment will take place at a later date at Rosedale Cemetery in Walker, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Jakolat Family Endowed Scholarship at Central Michigan University or to Peace Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Vern's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Mar. 7 to Mar. 11, 2018.
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5 Entries

Lee and LOis Fahling

March 17, 2018

Lee and Lois Fahling

Friend

March 17, 2018

Cheryl and family, thinking of you. Your Dad always had a smile for me when I bumped into him. Would love to see you. We're in Florida until April otherwise I would be at the memorial service.

Linda LaPaugh Cook

March 12, 2018

To the family, please accept my deepest condolences. May all find strength from Almighty God during this time.
Porter

March 12, 2018

I met Vern as a member of the Walker Jaycees. His name graced many an award or plaque for his dedication to community service and served as a model for many of us who continue to serve our communities because of his inspiration. Blessings and warm wishes to his wife and family as you mourn his passing and celebrate his homegoing. He leaves an admirable legacy.

Dave Brinks

March 11, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Mar

17

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Peace Lutheran Church

Alma, MI

Mar

17

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Peace Lutheran Church

Alma, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home - Alma

531 N State St., Alma, MI 48801

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