Raymond George Jakiel

Raymond George Jakiel, 88, of Alpena, entered eternal peace on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Medilodge of Greenview. He was a gentle, kind, compassionate husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whom will be dearly missed. Ray was born on April 23, 1934 to the late Walter and Mary (Lasek) Jakiel in Posen. Growing up on the family farm, Ray learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a brother to seven siblings, Ray also learned a strong family ethic that would remain with him for the remainder of his life. He married the love of his life, Anita (Zdybel), at St. Casimir church in Posen. Together they had four children and enjoyed 54 years of marriage.

His family was an enormous part of his life and nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with them, especially at the river. Ray’s faith was very important to him. He was a long-time member of The Knights of Columbus Council 0529 and St. Anne Catholic Church. Ray was an avid card player. He enjoyed teaching his kids to play games like Pinnacle, Euchre, and Spitzer. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and loved them almost as much as his morning coffee.

Ray is survived by three children, Ken Jakiel of Alpena, Gary (Stacie) Jakiel of Grand Rapids, and Debbie (Dean) Rohn of Cadillac, eleven grandchildren, Raelynn (John) Batdorff, Kenneth “JR” Jakiel, Kyle Mischley, Brett (Ashley) Rohn, Craig Mischley, Cortney Mischley, Kirsten (Jordan) Moriarty, Cody Jakiel, Christopher Jakiel, Brandon Rohn, and Amber Jakiel, eight great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and special longtime friend, Ruth Thiem. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Anita, a daughter, Beverly Mischley, and all of his siblings, John Kozdron, Frank Kozdron, Peter Kozdron, Julia Chrzan, Florence Cudnik, Mary Kozdron, and Joseph Kozdron.

Family will receive friends for visitation at Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Visiting will continue on Monday at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10:00 A.M. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Tyler Bischoff officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to St. Anne Catholic Church. Online condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com. The family looks forward to a celebration of Ray’s life. Nostrovia!