Jay D. Yakel

Jay D. Yakel, 68, of Suring, passed away on October 13, 2025.

Jay was born October 31, 1956, to Marion "Chum" and Fern (Strehlow) Yakel in Suring, WI. He attended Suring Public Schools and graduated from Suring High School in 1974. He excelled in football and track, becoming conference champion and a state qualifier in the 440 yd dash (despite his grandson's best efforts, he was not able to beat Jay's time, a fact that Jay continued to laugh about). He earned an associate's degree in Autobody Repair from Fox Valley Technical College and used that knowledge at Ehlinger's Garage in Suring and House of Ryan in Green Bay. He would then spend over 30 years at Wisconsin Public Service in equipment maintenance, natural gas service maintenance and installation, and hydroelectric maintenance. He then spent 4 years as a welder at Marinette Marine before he retired.

Jay was extremely handy and mechanical and could fix or build almost anything. He showed those skills by building a pole building at 5 of his residences, including the cottage turned home in Mountain. He could often be found tinkering in his garage or working on some project in the house or yard, including planting thousands of baby trees in Porterfield and Mountain.

Jay had several other hobbies including hunting, fishing, beekeeping, watching the Packers, attending his kids' sporting events, and filtering used vegetable oil into biodiesel. His favorite thing to do was snowmobiling, and he made several snowmobile trips to Yellowstone. Jay had quite the sense of humor and quick wit; he loved teasing everyone and could always be counted on for a smart remark or practical joke.

Jay is survived by his 2 children: Heather (Justin) Thomson of Suring, and John (Brooke) Yakel of Suamico; His mother, Fern Cramer of Suring; siblings: Jean (Robert) Greggs of Oneida, Joan (David) Rickaby of St. Francis, Bob (Lisa) Yakel of Suring, Kim Kern of Crandon, Rusty (Annemarie) Yakel of Eau Claire; 8 grandchildren: Quinn, Riley, and Annabelle Thomson, and Sam, Brielle, Hallie, Jonah, and Tiffany Yakel; significant other: Rose Heckl; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Chum; his stepfather, John Cramer; nephew, Josh Wech; grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank The Cottages Memory Care, Moments Hospice, and Rose for caring for Dad.

Visitation will be held at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 AM until the funeral at 12 PM with Pastor Andrew Jantz officiating. In honor of Jay, please wear your favorite hat, especially if it has something funny or sassy on it. Casual attire welcome.