Dennis James Jaekel
Dennis James Jaekel, 61, of Centerville, died June 16, 2008, at his home in Goldendale, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Denny was born Nov. 6, 1946, in The Dalles, to Quentin and Mary Jaekel.
Denny grew up in Centerville and graduated from Goldendale High School in 1965.
He earned a bachelors of arts degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma where he was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Here, he made many lifelong friends. After graduating, Denny stayed in Tacoma and worked in the insurance business.
In 1969, Denny married Bonnie Keehn from Stevenson, and they had two children, Matt and Angie. The family returned to Centerville in 1977, where Denny joined his father in running the family’s ranch.
In 1982, Denny married Chris Fritsch where the family grew with the addition of Chris’ children, Scott and Justin Fitzgerald. Together, they had a son, Andy.
Denny loved his family. He was passionate about sports and enjoyed attending all of the kids’ events. He also looked forward to hunting every fall with his best friends and family.
Denny was also very civic minded and enjoyed being a part of his community. He was very active in countless organizations. He was also a strong member of his Church in Centerville.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary and father, Quentin.
Denny is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Chris; children, Matt and Larissa Jaekel, Scott and Diana Fitzgerald, Justin Fitzgerald, Angie and Jeff Mitchell, and Andy Jaekel; grandchildren, Madeline, Lauren and Kyle and Caden; two sisters, Kay Cameron, of Centerville, and Shirley Ziegler and her husband Larry, of Canby; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at The Community Grace Brethren Church in Goldendale.
Interment will be in the Grange Cemetery in Centerville.
A reception will be held at the Centerville Grange at 12:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Klickitat Valley Hospital or Hospice. |
