Joseph Jekel passed away on Sept. 30 at the age of 67.
Joe Jekel was born on Jan. 31, 1958, at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were German refugees who escaped Nazi Germany before World War II. Joe went to John Hartman grade school, Bingham Junior High School and graduated from Southwest High School in 1976.
He went on to Rockhurst and earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1980.
Joe spent several years working for the Social Security Administration as an agent, calculating pensions for military veterans. Afterward, Joe did various telemarketing jobs in collections and in sales, including working for the Pacesetter Corporation.
Joe was a lifetime member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, as were his parents. Joe had his bar mitzvah in 1971 and was confirmed in 1974 under Emeritus Rabbi Michael Zedek.
Joe was very involved in the Kansas City Jewish Republican Party, hosted by Dr. Jay Robinow from Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner. He did many political volunteer projects, including working for Congressman Kevin Yoder. He was very involved with the National Republican Convention of 2004.
Joe was involved in the Kansas City JC’s Organization for many years.
Growing up, Joe was involved at the Barney Goodman camp and worked with Harvey Cohen at the time.
Although Joe has no surviving biological family members, he is survived by many friends, including Bruce and Debby Bratman, Mark and Cathy Allen, Andrew Horseman, Steve Bancroft, Douglas and Patty McConnell, Alan Cohen and several others.
Graveside services took place on Oct. 6 at Green Lawn Cemetery, 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Jewish Family Services.
Online condolences and memories may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
