Jason T. "Jake" Drendel

Jason "Jake" T. Drendel
Jason "Jake" Drendel, 56, of Earlville, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, humor, and resilience.
Jake was the beloved son of Dennis Drendel and the late Terri Lynn Drendel and was born on May 8, 1968, in Naperville, IL. He graduated from Naperville North High School where he was a pole vaulter on the Track and Field team and an avid swimmer and diver. The middle member of Naperville's infamous "Drendel Boys", Jon, Jake and Jed terrorized Prairie Avenue and their entire neighborhood on their mini-bikes and in their go carts. Jake eventually moved further out into the country as he loved the outdoors and any excuse to be there. He was an avid music lover and could be heard blaring his favorite tunes any time he was working in his garage or driving around town in a truck he rebuilt. And if it was something that involved wildlife, hunting, big trucks, or anything that got his adrenaline pumping, Jake was all in. A gifted wood worker and gear head, Jake could build or fix just about anything-and had the scars to prove it.
Jake's heart truly belonged to his wife, Paula, and her daughter, Jessica. They both put up with everything from his sharp sense of humor to his endless parade of rescued critters. For Jake, Paula and Jessica and the five acres they shared in Earlville were the reasons for everything. As his family will attest, Paula made Jake a better person. She opened his eyes to a whole new world. From vacations down to Panama City, camping in Silver Lake, or a drive to Door County, Paula enhanced Jake's love for the outdoors and nurtured his wildlife spirit. The cold winter nights in Earlville were warmed up by Jake's fresh cut firewood and his beaver skin mittens and hats. He was a craftsman that loved to make things for his family. The impression he left will be felt for decades to come.
Jake is survived by his wife, Paula, step-daughter Jessica, father, Denny (Patsy), and his siblings: Jon (Vickie), Jed (Erin), and Julie, who all carry memories of his quick wit, deep Drendel voice and wicked sense of humor.
Jake's passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of his family, friends and his many rescue animals, particularly his Cane Corso mix Roxy. His memory will live on through the laughter he inspired and the love he shared. He was a cherished husband, a loyal son, a loving and mischievous brother, a devoted step-father, a caring nephew, a treasured uncle, a beloved cousin and an irreplaceable friend.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jake's phenomenal life on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home at 13160 W Rt 34 Somonauk, IL 60552. Visitation 10am-1pm with service at 1pm and lunch to follow at Jake and Paula's home in Earlville.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to sign the online guest book go to www.eighnerfuneralhomes.com (815) 498-2363