Donald F. Jakielski

Age of 86 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, at StoryPoint, Romeoville, IL, with his loving daughters by his side.

Born March 22, 1939, in Joliet, Don was a son of Walter J. and Mary (Née Ceranski) Jakielski.

He attended Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School, where he served as an altar boy for many years. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School (Class of 1956) and obtained an associate’s degree from Joliet Junior College.

Don married Mary McGahey on June 2,1962 in St. Patrick’s Church, Joliet and together, they raised three children.

Don was employed with Nicor Gas as a warehouse manager and retired with over 40 years of dedicated service. In his free time, Don also worked as a Bailiff at the Will County Court House.

Don loved the outdoors, the water, ocean, beaches and lakes. He believed that the best day was being on the water.

He loved to golf and spend time vacationing with his family. Although pulling many a prank on his neighbors and coworkers, Don always believed in doing the right thing no matter how hard it was. He loved his family; they always came first. Don and Mary instilled in their children loyalty to family and friends as well as a strong work ethic.

Don was a devout Catholic and he loved his family. He was a diehard Chicago Bears and White Sox fan, a member of the Will Country Old Timers Baseball Association, Moose Loyal Order of Lodge #300 and St. Ambrose Catholic Church. He always found joy and happiness in life and will be truly missed.

Survivors include his dedicated daughters, Caryn (Mel Brown) Jakielski and Leisa Jakielski; sisters, Carol (the late Robert) Terdic and Rita (the late James) Flickinger; sister-in-law, Anita Futterer, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to Don’s caretakers for their assistance the last two years.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jakielski; son, D. Mark Jakielski; parents, Walter J. and Mary Jakielski and brother, Walter (Lois) Jakielski.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – until the time of prayers at 10:30 a.m. Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet. A procession will follow to St. Ambrose and St. Ann Catholic Church, 1705 Burry Circle Drive, Crest Hill, for a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Anthony Nyamai, officiating.

Cremation rites will take place following the mass.

Don will be laid to rest beside his wife in Woodlawn Memorial Park in a private committal service at a later date.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.