Kenneth H.  Jaeke, well-known Quad-City educator, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.  A visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island.  A private entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722.

Kenneth was born on July 12, 1948, the son of Kenneth F. and Blanche Roach Jaeke.  He was a proud life-long Rock Islander who graduated from Alleman High School, class of 1966.  Ken earned his bachelor's degree from St. Ambrose University and earned his master's degree and completed post-graduate work at Western Illinois University.

Ken enjoyed serving Rock Island and focused his career on community impact. His first job was a city planner, followed by a variety of roles within the Rock Island-Milan School District over his 41-year career.  He taught at Edison Junior High, where he became the dean of students and was honored to serve as principal.  He was also principal at Thomas Jefferson in Milan and acting principal at Washington Junior High School.  He and his innovative staff created the Audubon Science and Math School in 1992.  Audubon was one of the early magnet schools in Illinois.  During his principalship at Edison Junior High, he and his professional staff became a spotlight school for the state.  After Edison, Ken served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the RIMSD #41 before retirement.

Not one for sitting around, Ken continued serving his community after retirement. He became a consultant for the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education and a Northwestern Regional Math Consultant for the State of Illinois.

Ken was also proud to serve on many boards.  A highlight for him was serving as a board member for the Family Museum for many years.

Ken proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  Ken's truest calling and largest accomplishment was his family.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughters, Lauren (Mark) Sikes and Ashlie Jaeke; granddaughters, Ainsley Sikes and Audie Sikes; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Jaeke.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com