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Richard Jakowsky Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Richard "Jake" Jakowsky, 57, of Springfield, died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at his home.
Jake was born Aug. 27, 1951, in Lake Forest, the son of Richard F. Jakowsky and Arlene C. Benson. He married Annellen McLaughlin on May 28, 1977, at Grace Lutheran Church.
After graduating from Fenton High School, Jake obtained his B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. He joined Anderson Electric in 1974 and served in a number of leadership positions. He became manager of operations and engineering for the Springfield branch office and was made vice president of the company in 1981, eventually purchasing the company and leading it to great success. Jake has served as president of the Illinois Construction Industry Committee Legislative Coalition, president and governor of the Illinois Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, board of the Central Illinois Builders Chapter, board of Mizzou Parents Association at the University of Missouri, life director for the Associated General Contractors of America, and chairman of AGC's National Associate Members. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a thoughtful and generous community leader who took great pride in his company. He was also a devoted Christian family man who enjoyed golf in his free time.
Jake was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law.
He is survived by his wife, Ann of Springfield; his children, Henry and Sarah Jakowsky of Springfield; his mother, Arlene Benson of Bensenville; stepmother, Joyce Jakowsky of Lombard; stepsister, Debbie (Joe) Jung of Aurora; stepbrothers, Richard (wife, Ann) and Tom (wife, Judy) Lutz of Chicago; and several sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., with Pastor Tom Christell, officiating.
Following ceremonies, cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Private inurnment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701.
Please visit Jake's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Jakowsky
Sr. Ann Pitsenberger
September 16, 2008
Ann
I only learned about Jake's death this past weekend. I am so sorry to have missed the services and to have personally wished you condolences. Jake was a great guy. I will miss him.
Dyanne Ferk
September 14, 2008
Ann--
Jake was a wonderful man with a big heart. His community service and support for the Springfield area leaves a lasting legacy for him. I first met Jake through the Leadership Program--we were in the same class --and he went on to leave a lasting impact in the community. He will be remembered and missed.
I send thought and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Ashlee Vorachek
September 12, 2008
Ann, Sarah and Henry,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband/father. He was such of a wonderful and kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Jack Mariage
September 11, 2008
An old friend from CIPS at Meredosia days
Jeannie Scott
September 11, 2008
Ann, I was sorry to read about Jake. I know this has to be so hard on all of you. I will keep your family in my prayers. God bless you all!
Jeannie Scott
Ed Hart
September 11, 2008
The construction industry has lost a great leader and I have lost a good friend.
Abby Lynn
September 10, 2008
Ann, Sarah, and Henry,
My heart goes out to you during your time of loss. Your husband/dad was an incredible man and will always be remebered for his kindness, devotion, and sense of humor. Please know that I am thinking of you all.
Glenwood Class of 1975
September 10, 2008
Ann and family, please accept our condolences for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Tom Emison
September 10, 2008
I am so sorry to learn of Jake's passing. He was a very good friend and a great, humble, and lighthearted spirit. Most people go through life wondering if they made a difference. To Ann, and his children, you need never worry if your husband or dad made a difference. He did. I will miss him and was inspired by his courage these past few years. God Bless You. He is with the Lord now.
Elaine and Bill Moran
September 10, 2008
To Ann, Sarah, and Henry,
We are sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was very strong during his time of illness and was a witness to his faith. He will always be remembered for the fight he fought to the end. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Blair Brown
September 10, 2008
Ann, Sarah, and Henry,
I was saddened to hear about your family's loss. He was a great man. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Mary (Atchison)Atkinson
September 9, 2008
Ann and children,
I would like to send my condolences. Remember all the good times you have shared.
Veronica Robison
September 9, 2008
My sincere sympathy and prayers. It was my pleasure to have known 'Jake' through his leadership as the Chairman of the Board for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He was a gentleman to the highest degree.
Ron Peadro
September 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jack, Judy, Faith and Rebecca Wheaton
September 9, 2008
Jake was one of the finest people we have ever met. He was devoted to his family and his faith. We are truly saddened by your loss. It is our loss as well. You are all in our prayers.
lance and diane hedrick
September 9, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Ayers
September 9, 2008
Dear Ann and family:
I was saddened to hear of Jake's passing and regret your tremendous loss. I had worked with Jake on the Decatur Welfare and Pension funds and later when I moved to Washington, DC I worked with Jake and NECA. Jake was a solid guy that demonstrated to everyone he encountered that their problems were more important than his. He served as an inspiration to all of us and showed us all how to maintain dignity and strength in the face of adversity. I'll always honor and respect Jake for being a giant among men. We'll all miss him but there is no doubt in my mind that he has acsended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
Mark Ayers
President
Building and Construction Trades Department AFL-CIO
Washington, DC
Stefanie Peters
September 9, 2008
Sarah: I know how hard this must be on you & hope you find a little comfort just knowing that he is in a better place now... I'm very sorry for your loss; You had a wonderful Dad & he will always be remembered that way... You know I'm here if you need anything. Keep your head up
BRENDA & RON MCCLAIN
September 9, 2008
ANNIE,
JAKE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN, AND RON & I THOUGHT THE WORLD OF HIM. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR RON. YOU,SARA,& HENRY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I HOPE YOUR MEMORIES OF A WONDERFUL HUSBAND & FATHER, CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS HARD TIME.
RON & BRENDA MCCLAIN
Sue McCormick Mary Ellen Ruffner
September 9, 2008
We had the privilege of knowing Jake when I worked for Clifton Gunderson. He was a remarkable man that the words, honest, ethical, thoughtful, warm and genuine seem so inadequate when describing Jake. His living truely was a gift to those who knew him.
Anna Schiermann (Massey)
September 9, 2008
Ann, Sarah, and Henry,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a wonderful man.
Joseph Hardy
September 9, 2008
Dear Ann, Henry & Sarah,
JIll and I were deeply saddened to hear about Jake. He was a kind man who always made us smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
mark peters
September 9, 2008
Anne,Sarah,and Henry: You have my deepest sympathy with Jake's passing. We all have so many wonderful memories of him. Our prayers are with all of you! Mark Peters.
Vikki Sturm
September 9, 2008
Jake, thank you for the gift your living brought to so many, you will be sadly missed. I am honored to have known you.
Ann, Sarah and Henry my thoughts and prayers are with you day to day and minute to minute. From my heart I hurt for you.
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