Stanley Jakala

1926 - 2013

Stanley Jakala obituary, 1926-2013, Berwyn, IL

FUNERAL HOME

Mount Auburn Funeral Home

4101 South Oak Park Ave

Stickney, Illinois

Stanley Jakala Obituary

Jakala, Stanley Was a legend as a lawyer because of his fierce advocacy, his cross-examination skills and long career. Mr. Jakala died Wednesday at his home in Berwyn at the age of 86. He practiced law for 56 years after graduating from Northwestern University School of Law in 1957. He received his bachelor's degree from Loyola University. Mr. Jakala graduated from Weber High School in Chicago in 1945 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. He served stateside delivering orders around the country. When he returned from the war, Mr. Jakala enrolled at Marquette University in Milwaukee for a year and then returned to Chicago to attend Loyola. He excelled at Loyola and was voted "senior who has done the most for Loyola" and was an outstanding debater. After graduating from law school, Mr. Jakala taught five years at St. Philip Basilica High School and practiced law on the side. He later went to work for a law firm in Summit before starting his own law practice. Mr. Jakala was best known for his work representing public employees in disciplinary matters, particularly police officers. He represented the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police and the state FOP for many years as well as national FOP. One of his proudest moments as a lawyer was being called to negotiate a police strike in Virginia in the 1980s. The strike made national news. Mr. Jakala also was in the national spotlight in 1987 when he represented a Des Plaines police officer who was fired after he left his post to go home to his family during a flood. In that case, Mr. Jakala appeared on the Phil Donahue Show. Mr. Jakala was well respected for his appellate work. He argued eight times before the Illinois Supreme Court. He was particularly proud to have won an employee privacy case in the Illinois Appellate Court which led to the establishment of HIPAA. He also established the law in Illinois for police and firefighters seeking disability pensions. Throughout his career, Mr. Jakala saw himself as a champion of the little guy. He was known for his fearlessness and was never intimidated by the prestige of any law firm he was up against. Mr. Jakala was named to Illinois Super Lawyers, a peer recognition program to which only five percent of lawyers in the state are elected, for the past five years, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and most recently for 2013. "I thought he was a fine lawyer," said Jack Siegel, a lawyer who has practiced municipal law for 62 years. "He was very much interested in protecting the rights of police, firefighters and public servants. It was a pleasure to work with him." Mr. Jakala worked up until the day he died. He loved the law and would not consider retirement. Besides the law, Mr. Jakala also loved the Chicago Cubs. He also was known for his wit, his love of a good steak and his work ethic. The only child of Kazimiera and Stanislaw Jakala, who were Polish immigrants, he was born November 24, 1926 in Chicago. Mr. Jakala was always proud of his Polish background and loved to celebrate Casmir Pulaski Day. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons, Daniel (Karen) of Kenosha, Wis., and Steven of Florida; and stepdaughter Carol Chasnoff (Ira) of Evanston. He was predeceased by his son, James. Three grandchildren and three step grandchildren also survive. Visitation Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 Oak Park, Stickney, IL. Funeral service Monday, July 22, 2013, chapel service 10:30 a.m. Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Interment Mount Auburn Memorial Park. 708-749-2033

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 19, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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My heart dropped when I received a letter today from Stans law firm informing that he passed away. He helped me in a number of cases and always won. When we were in the area my wife Patty and I would stop by to say hi. Our friend will be truly missed and thought of often.

Tom Arnos

October 30, 2013

I had the distinct privilege to have Stanley Jakala as my opposing counsel and I treasure that experience. Stan was always professional, always pleasant and courteous in our dealings, and always a man of integrity and consideration whose word was his bond. From the Babbitt family to the Jakala family, our sincerest condolences on your loss.

Floyd Babbitt

October 4, 2013

Farewell, Comrade.

Barbara Bell

August 18, 2013

Remembering my boss of 30+ years, Stanley H. Jakala. Here is a photo I found in the desk drawer at work, of Ruth and Stanley celebrating his birthday (circa 1991).

Diane Callahan Mastny

August 7, 2013

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Stan will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 28 JUL, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain

July 26, 2013

Dear Ruth and Family,

I just heard of Stan's passing and want to extend my condolences. Stan took such wonderful care of my family's legal needs and was a generous and caring person. I always loved listening to him and his witticisms. He truly is the last of a wonderful generation gone but not forgotten. He helped me in the closing of the sale of my Mom's home, Gen Cermak, when she passed and never asked for anything in return, even when offered. I'll never forget driving him to the closing and asking him to fasten his seat belt to which he replied "I don't believe in those things." I let him go beltless out of respect but told him that I hoped a policeman who may have stopped us believed the same thing, too! I trust that he is in Heaven as an advocate for others as he has been on earth.

Sue Cermak Dragoo

July 26, 2013

As his home care nurse during his last 2 months with us; I was able to witness him being so full of life and was working up until his last day. He loved his work and his wife.

Ariana RN

July 24, 2013

My family and I extend our sincerest condolences to Stanley's family....Stan was a great guy and helped us out on many occasions. He will sure be missed.

Mark Hartwig and Family

July 24, 2013

Stanley, thank you for your advice and your friendship. I can't imagine conducting a pension meeting without you.

Joe Crimmins

July 23, 2013

Dear Ruth:
We send our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Stan was our FOP Lodge 3 attorney and good friend. His talents and friendship will be a great loss to us. My he rest in peace.
Norm & Shirley Sobol

July 22, 2013

Stan was good to our family until the day he left for heaven. For some reason I feel Stan will be standing next to me whenever I step into a court room. Thanks for fighting for my pension and custody. Plus calling me just to check in. We love you Stan "Da Man"! God bless me the chance to tell you earlier in the week that I worry about you like your my father.

Theo, Karen, Kayla and family

Theo Brooks

July 21, 2013

Stanley, you were a good man and did your darnest to fight for me. I wont forget the hard work and dedication. Thanks and may you rest in peace.

Michael Roberts

July 21, 2013

Stanley Jakala, a true gentleman and a scholar, may you rest in peace.

Marianne Callahan

July 21, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I always had the highest regard for Stanley from the moment I met him as a "rookie" alderman in 1987. Stanley was the kind of person who always said what was on his mind. He achieved lots of accolades which he deserved and was always so proud of the time he spent before the Supreme Court.

Alderman Pauline & George Stratton

July 20, 2013

I was a pupil in Mr. Jakala's English class while attending St. Philip High School. In class, he continually emphasized the importance of logical thinking and clear communiation and the role this plays succeeding in life. I only began appreciating his words when I entered the business world. His commentary, at times humourously tart, was well spoken.

May he rest in peace.

Roger Golec
Class of 1960

July 20, 2013

I worked for Stan for almost 20 years and it was never dull. Stan was serious about "making law" but that didn't mean we didn't have fun in the process. People half his age couldn't keep up with him. Stan, I miss you already. "Katie" Callahan

July 19, 2013

I was one of the 'little' guys he defended. He was my lawyer and advocate. I consider him a friend. I thank God for him and his presence in my life.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Retired Firefighter

Nacho

July 19, 2013

Stanley was a true mentor an advocate of civility and courtesy by attorneys and loved the Law and the Practice. Stanley once told me he wanted to die in the Court Room he was probaly on his way there when it happened.

Cary Collins

July 19, 2013

My prayers are with Stanley's family. I worked with Stanley 20 years when I served as Village Clerk. He was a true professional who taught us a lot because he loved practicing law. Rest in peace, Mr. Jakala.
Kathryn Hayes - Westchester, IL

July 19, 2013

We enjoyed his presentations at our IPPAC confereces. He was an extremely learned man.

Julie Clarke/ Executive Director IPPAC

July 19, 2013

He was an amazing man I don't know what I would have done without his legal help.

July 19, 2013

Mr Jakala sounds like a wonderful man. He stood up for police officers. Thank You Stanley. There is a special place in heaven set aside for you.

July 19, 2013

Fellow Weberite and Loyolan, rest in the arms of the Lord. Your watch is over.

Greg Bernacki

July 19, 2013

Lyn Doering

July 19, 2013

I was a student of Mr. Jakala at St. Philip High School during the 60's.
He was tough on the outside, but a caring mentor on the inside. I'm proud to learn of his achievements representing city workers. If my memory serves me correctly, Mr. Jakala led St. Philip H.S.to a national debate title! Truly...a good man!

Terry Marcoline
Class of 1960

July 19, 2013

We are so sorry for Loss and are praying for your Family at this time .

Chris and Sandy Coomes

July 19, 2013

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Memorial Events
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Jul

21

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mount Auburn Funeral Home

4101 South Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402

Jul

22

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

Mount Auburn Funeral Home

4101 South Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402

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Mount Auburn Funeral Home

4101 South Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402

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