Jacob “Jake” Jeffrey (Yelinek) Makens

 

Jacob “Jake” Jeffrey Makens (Yelinek), 40, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away on May 12, 2018 surrounded by his husband and close friends.

Jake was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on January 16, 1978.  He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1996.  Following graduation, Jake worked several years in the restaurant business successfully managing several restaurants in Omaha.  In May 2010, he joined the Marriott International Group Sales team where he excelled initially as a sales coordinator and then subsequently as a sales manager.

Jake met his future husband, Tom Makens, on June 3, 2005.  Jake and Tom were married on the island of Maui in Hawaii on October 8, 2017 and celebrated their marriage with all their friends and family in Omaha, Nebraska on October 28, 2017.  Their relationship would span 13 wonderful years.

Jake loved all sports, including football, tennis and basketball. He was an avid and committed fan of the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins and the Creighton Bluejays. Jake loved to travel as well and particularly enjoyed going anywhere that was warm and near the ocean.  What he treasured the most, however, was the incredible friendships he had made over the years; some of his favorite times were simply hanging out with friends by the pool or meeting a friend for a beer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his husband, Tom, his mother and stepfather, Belle and David Earhart, his uncle, Steve Yelinek, his sister Kirsten Nutter and her husband, Dan, his sister Sarah Earhart and her fiancé, Collin, his brother, Troy Earhart, several nephews and nieces and many dear friends and other family members.

Jake’s father, Jeffrey Yelinek, and his grandparents, Raymond and Evelyn Yelinek, preceded him in death.

Jake’s husband and family thank you for all your love and support.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family to be donated to a charity or cause in honor of Jake’s life.

A celebration of Jake’s life will be held at West Center Chapel located at 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124 on Thursday, May 17, 2018. The celebration will include VISITATION  from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a memorial service and reception.

9 Comments

  • marnie Dondoneau Posted May 14, 2018 4:50 pm

    My husband, children and myself are so saddened by this tragedy. Jake was loved and will be missed. His life ended way too early for his husband, family, and friends, but I’m sure God is elated to have him. Love you Tom and Jake.

  • Gary and June Markuson Posted May 14, 2018 5:28 pm

    Tom,
    June and I will not be able to make it to the funeral, but we will be thinking of you. Jake’s obituary was very nicely done. We feel so bad for you, and words cannot express how much we appreciated being at your wedding reception in Omaha. You and Jake were so happy, and it was fun to share that special time with you. We will be sending a memorial. I know that you and Jake had a lot of friends who are saddened by what has happened. They will be there for you. God Bless!.

  • Heather Hegge Posted May 14, 2018 6:49 pm

    Tom and all of Jake’s family,
    I am so saddened to know that Jake is no longer with us! He was such a fun loving, kind, and generous person! I had the pleasure of working with Jake at Buffalo Wild Wings for several years. He was a very hard working and devout manager and always good to his employees and guests! His personality radiated to all that cross his path! Everyone that knew Jake, knew they had a friend in him! He will be missed greatly! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  • Mindel Rethwisch Posted May 15, 2018 5:51 am

    Jake was such a n awesome soul! I feel honored to know him.

  • Judy and Bill Vieth Posted May 15, 2018 7:09 am

    We’ve known Jake since his restaurant days at BWW in Omaha. He was always so friendly and would come into the store just to see and visit with him. We reconnected about 4 years ago and always looked forward to seeing him. We will miss him terribly.

  • Darlene Bough (Aunt) Posted May 15, 2018 7:26 am

    Jake also is survived by maternal grandparent, Annette Stevens and her husband Alvin. They were very active in his loving care as a young child and remained an important part of his young life.

  • Mura D’Angelo and Gary Romano (great aunt and uncle) Posted May 15, 2018 1:03 pm

    Words cannot express the shock and sadness we feel. Jake was always sweet and accommodating and went out of his way to help when asked. He will be missed.

  • Robyn Price Posted May 15, 2018 9:16 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Christine Scott Posted May 16, 2018 4:49 pm

    Although it was for a very brief time, i was very privileged to have worked along side Jake last year! He was such a great teammate and beautiful person! His smile lit up the room! He will be missed dearly! all my love goes to Tom and family!

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