Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Mar 7, 1930 – Feb 15, 2017 (Age 86)
Michael T ("Doc") Jaekels, M.D. helped bring thousands of babies into this world as a career obstetrician and gynecologist, left this world and entered into the fullness of eternal life on February 15, 2017, at the age of 86. Resident of Elkhart Lake and Shorewood, WI, former resident of Boca Grande, FL and Fox Point. Loving husband of the late Nancy H. (Nee Hirschboeck) Jaekels, devoted father of Chris (Jean) Jaekels, Ted Jaekels, Mia Jaekels Vlaar, Andy Jaekels, and Julie (John) Best. Caring grandfather of John and Elizabeth Jaekels; Madeleine, Michael and Dodie Jaekels; and Ryan, Tessa, Julia, and Luke Vlaar. Further survived by other relatives and many wonderful friends.
Doc grew up in Whitefish Bay and Shorewood and attended Marquette University High School where his 6'5" frame helped him become a standout on the basketball team. He attended the University of Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship but left early to enroll at Marquette University Medical School (now the Medical College of Wisconsin). He took his OBGYN internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and his residency at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
While in medical school he met Nancy, the Dean's niece, and a lifelong love affair began. He served in the United States Air Force before marrying Nancy in 1959. Doc and Nancy made their life together raising their five children in Fox Point and staying active in their faith and friendship communities surrounding St. Eugene Parish. Doc was a grade school basketball coach, church Lector, and frequent performer (in drag) in Parish variety shows. Doc and Nancy's circle of friends grew as they and other new and old friends took up the summer home life at Elkhart Lake. Later they would add additional new and old friends on the beach at Boca Grande, Florida. Doc and Nancy played tennis together and sailed or walked the beach together whenever the weather was good at Elkhart Lake or Boca Grande, in adverse weather they would cross country ski together or just socialize with friends.
Doc had a calm reassuring demeanor that made him a great husband, father, physician, and friend. The world is better for having had his time on this earth. Throughout Doc's life his greatest treasures remained his family and his faith. He will be deeply missed but his family is happy to know that he's sailing once again with his beloved Nancy with their sail filled by God's love.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Feerick Funeral Home with prayer Vigil at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Fox Point on Friday, February 24 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Doc's name to the following: Horizon Home Care & Hospice, Lawlis Family Hospice, P.O. Box 88828, Milwaukee, WI 53288-0828 (http://www.horizonhch.com/donate/); The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation (donations can be made online at www.parseghian.org) or sent to APMRF, 4729 E. Sunrise Dr., #327, Tucson, AZ 85718-4535; or The Medical College of Wisconsin, Attn: Office of Development, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd. or P.O. Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509.
I will never forget Dr Jaekels. Because of his care and compassion I was able to deliver 2 healthy baby boys even though I was high risk. There is a special place in heaven for him.
Anne Spoerl
March 13, 2017 | New Berlin, WI
He was a compassionate man, always interested in you. So in love with Nancy and their wonderful children, now he and Nancy are together again and I am sure they are so happy. I miss them both very much as they were so delightful together. Perhaps they can sail together in Heaven.
Susan Godfrey
February 28, 2017
Both Mike and Nancy will always remain a light in our hearts hear at Sea Oats!
We will miss them beyond words.
With Sympathy,
Peggy
Peggy Burns
February 23, 2017 | Placida, FL
Blessing to all. Unfortunately mom isn't up to travel so we will only be with you in spirit. She is crushed with the loss of Doc but happy Tom has another friend in heaven. We will be celebrating all the wonderful memories shared with a smile in our hearts and a drink in our hand. Cheers Doc. Here's to smooth sailing! Love the Carters.
Lisa Carter
February 21, 2017 | Rochester, MN
My deepest sympathies to the entire Jaekels family. My thoughts, love and prayers to you all.
Sincerely,
Mandi Bender
Mandi Bender
February 21, 2017 | Indianapolis, IN
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a wonderful thing to have been raised by people who are so full of love for their children, their friends and their community. You have been blessed. May the memories sustain you.
Beth Popalisky
February 19, 2017
Dear Chris, Ted, Mia, Andy and Julie,
Please accept my condolences as you mourn Doc's death and celebrate his wonderful life. I will offer a Mass for his eternal peace and joy, and will hold you and all who grieve in prayer as you deal with this loss. Your family is a strong link to my own childhood, and I retain many fond memories of Doc. I'm blessed to have had some recent contact with him at Alexian, too. Wish I could join you in person, but count on my spiritual closeness.
Rob Kroll
February 19, 2017 | Omaha, NE
Chris, Ted, Mia, Andy, Julie,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have such fond memories of he and your Mom and all of the times I babysat for the 5 of you and helped your Mom with dinner parties!
Prayers and God's blessings for each one of you.
Much love,
Claudia
February 19, 2017
Dr Jaekels I new for many years and the whole family handling their car problems. He was a great person and enjoyed his conversations over the years. My condolences to the family
Thomas Appleby Sr
February 19, 2017 | Glendale, WI