Richard "Jake" Jakowsky

Jake was born August 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; step mother, 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 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Dr., Springfield.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Dr., Springfield, with Pastor Thomas Christell, Jr. and Pastor Julie Guy, 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 Dr., Springfield, IL 62701.