Stephen Wayne Jackel Jr, 39

Army Sergeant Stephen Wayne Jackel, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Little Elm, Texas, at the age of 38.

Jackel was a one-of-a kind guy. There are not enough words to accurately describe the impact Stephen Jackel had on the lives of the people he met. He had a genuine, big smile and a contagious laugh.

Stephen was a fierce protector to those he loved, which was many. The biggest loves of his life were his beautiful wife, Adriana, and their six children. They were his world and his proudest accomplishments and he was their hero. Jackel was also a hero to everyone he met.

He spent five years in the United States Army before being medically retired in 2013. Jackel lost both of his legs in 2011 but never let that stop him. He was fearless and never backed down from a challenge. Stephen embraced everyone he met and immediately touched their hearts. People seemed to flock to Jackel. If you knew Jackel you knew the true meaning of an American Hero! Although he had two prosthetic legs, he still skydived, rappelled, and climbed mountains. He didn’t let his injuries define him. He was a jokester and would pull his leg off in a minute to make you laugh. If you knew Jackel, you have probably seen the picture of “Jackel in a Box”. That picture defines the zest for life Jackel had.

Stephen Jackel left a mark on this world.

He will be deeply missed by many. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Adriana and children Maya, Renee, Zoey, Zayne, Zayden, and Jordyn. He is survived by his father, Steve Jackel; mother Rita Weddel and her husband, Jerry; Sister Shannan Collins and husband, Jeremy; Sister Danielle and her husband, Brian; stepsister Lindsey Weddel; stepbrother Danny Weddel; Grandmother Norma Lee and Grandmother Emma Ondreas. He also leaves behind several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his Grandfathers Dan Jordan and William Charles Jackel, Jr.

SGT Jackel drops puck, Veterans Appreciation, Dallas Texas: