Mary Louella "Lou" Jaekels

Mary Lou Jaekels, age 100, of Allouez, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family — just as she had surrounded them with love throughout her life.

Lou was born on March 14, 1925, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Frank and Laura (Freel) Planert. From an early age, she embodied kindness, faith, and quiet strength. She attended Cathedral Grade School and was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, Class of 1943. Lou continued her education at Mount Mary College and later transferred to Marquette University, where fate stepped in — and she met the love of her life, John “Jack” Jaekels.

Lou and Jack were married on December 28, 1946, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. Their marriage was the foundation of a beautiful life built on love, faith, laughter, and family. After beginning married life in Milwaukee, they settled in Green Bay where they raised their seven children. Together, Lou and Jack shared 54 cherished years of marriage before his passing in 2001.

Family was the heart of Lou’s world. She was a devoted wife and a loving, steady presence to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lou gave unselfishly of her time, volunteering with the Service League, Meals on Wheels, and reading to children — always finding joy in helping others.

Though raising a large family kept her busy, Lou made sure life was filled with fun, adventure, and togetherness. One memorable day, Jack came home with nine pairs of skis, launching years of unforgettable family ski trips. Summers often found the family out boating together on their beloved boat, appropriately named the “Lazy Lou,” creating laughter-filled memories that will be treasured forever. In addition to boating and skiing, Lou was an avid bridge player who, for decades, cherished her weekly bridge games with friends.

Lou will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her warm smile, and the way she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she held so close to her heart.

Mary Lou is survived by her six children: Judy Watermolen; Jo (Mike) Johnson; Jeffrey (Anne) Jaekels; Sue (Steve) Klinkner; Sally (Bill) Jansen; and Laurie (Jim) McCartney; along with 17 grandchildren: Megan (Tom) Simcik; Teryn (Brent) Tilque; Alexandra (Matt) Hockers; Blake Johnson; Sarah Johnson; Jessica (Theran) Motl; Jennifer (Ben) Comstock; Lizzie (Andrew) Sharos; Jacqueline (Sam) Albiero; Kristin (Steve) Kranitz; Kim (Jeff) Kakuk; Katie (Joe) Balistrieri; Jacob Jansen; Jenna Jansen (fiancé Caden Coopman); Emily Hapke; Ellen (Taylor) Guay; and Erin (Brett) Petasek; and 30 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nana, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Mary Jaekels.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, The Honorable Judge John Jaekels; her son, Jim Jaekels; her grandson, Brett Johnson; her brothers, Lloyd (Carole) Planert and Fr. James Kelly; and her son-in-law, Terry Watermolen.

Visitation will be held at Resurrection Parish (333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, WI) on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow.

Lou’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the 7th floor staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Unity Hospice, Dr. Gala, and to her favorite caregiver, Cindy Popp, for their extraordinary care and compassion.