Funeral services for Jake Van Den Eykel, age 86, of Gettysburg will be at 10 AM, Friday, August 30, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Gettysburg. Burial will be at the Lebanon Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Jake passed away Monday, August 26, 2013 at Sanford Health Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Jacob J. Van Den Eykel was born on October 31, 1926 in Lebanon to Jacob and Maartje (Van Zuylen) Van Den Eykel. He attended school in Lebanon until the eight grade when he had to help on the family farm. He entered into the US Army in May of 1945. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in October of 1946. Following his discharge he returned to Gettysburg where he farmed with his brother until the spring of 2010 and ranched until the fall of 2011. He worked hard all his life doing what he loved on the farm. Jake married Jeannine Mikkelsen on February 9, 1949 in Las Vegas. To this union two children were born, Jim and Vana. Throughout the years Jake was very supportive of his family. Jake was so proud when his son named his restaurant Jake's Good Times Place. Both him and his father shared that name and it meant a great deal to him.

Jake was a member of the VFW, DAV and a 50 plus year member of the American Legion. Jake loved to sing and dance and always had a good sense of humor.

Jake is survived by two brothers, Gerrit Van Den Eykel of Gettysburg and Martin Van Den Eykel, one son Jim (Rhonda) Van Den Eykel of Deadwood, SD, one daughter, Vana (Tom) Larson of Vivian, SD, two grandchildren, Callie (Tom) Hills of Kennebec, SD, and Ryan (Layne) Larson of Vivian, two great grandsons, Hase Darwin Hills and Trig Jacob Larson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Casketbearers will be, Duane Quiett, Brian Quiett, Scott Quiett, Ryan Larson, Tom Hills, and Roger Larson.