Chuck Edward Jakee

Charles (Chuck) Edward Jakee Sr passed away at the age of 81 on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

He died peacefully at Medilodge of GTC in Traverse City. He was born October 26, 1944, in Traverse City to Clara (Gains) Jakee and John Jakee.

Chuck was the 8th of 9 children born to John and Clara in Traverse City. Early on the family raised farm animals and planted vegetables. After Clara and John passed the farm was eventually taken over by Chuck's brother Richard who continues to plant and sell vegetables from the roadside stand.

Chuck left home to join the Navy in July of 1962. He served on Patrol Squadron 44 out of Maryland until July 1968.

Chuck married the love of his life, Kathleen Simone on June 16, 1967, in Traverse City. They had two children Christina and Charles (Chad). He didn't always have a lot to say, but he had biggest heart and unconditional love. He is a great loss to our family.

In the 1970's Chuck was a volunteer for the Grawn Fire Department as a fireman and EMT. In 1994 Grawn Fire Department became Blair Township Emergency Services.

From 1979 to 1991 Chuck was in the Army Reserve stationed in Traverse City, 182nd Transportation Company. He was a mechanic and truck driver. In 1990-1991 he was called to active duty and was deployed to Kuwait for the Gulf War. Chuck was very proud to serve his country in the military.

Chuck worked several factory jobs; Actron Steel, Stromberg Carlson, and Tower Automotive to name a few. Chuck also loved to work with his hands, growing his beloved roses and building furniture or remodeling the house. He also loved his family very much. If there was a problem with your plumbing or you needed help in your yard Chuck would come help. He never had a bad thing to say. Chuck didn't yell, or make you feel like you messed up, he would explain what you did wrong and move on. He loved to be at big family events. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions were Chuck's favorites. You would find him sitting some place he could watch everything going on, usually with a cup of coffee and a baby in his arms or a dog in his lap.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Jakee; brothers Richard and Thomas Jakee; his children Christina (Jason) Rehahn and Chad Jakee, 6 grandchildren, Megann (Eric) Stroh, Ashley (Agusto) Favela, Tiffany (Andrew) Morse, Andrew (Kayla) Butler, Ashely Lardie, and Harlie Jakee. His 11 great grandchildren Kelvan Snyder, Kristian Syder, Giohni Favela, Issac Stroh, Danidy Favela, Wyatt Stroh, Lyla Snyder, Madison Bellinger, Emmett Morse, Theo Butler, and Lexi Morse.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clara and John Jakee, siblings John Jakee, Joseph Jakee, Claude Jakee, Fredrick Jakee, Mary Ann (Rogers) Jakee, and William Jakee.

A visitation will be Monday November 17, 2025, at St, Patrick's Church 630 S West Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM

The funeral will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025, a visitation at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00am followed by a Military Honors Ceremony and a luncheon at St, Patrick's Church 630 S West Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

In lieu of flowers please send donation to Hospice of Michigan.