Ken Yakel  
Kenneth Clarence Yakel
Married to Diann M. Shrader (SE '58) for 45 years.
Children: Kristin Lynn Yakel, Springfield, VA; Craig A. Yakel, Coppell, TX
WORK: After graduating from the University of Nebraska, in 1961, my first full time job was with Natkin & Co. Mechanical Contractors. I remained with Natkin and Co. my entire working career and retired in 2003, after 42 years as a Mechanical Engineer. During those 42 years, I was project manager, District Manager, Division Manager, General Manager, and ending up as Pre-Construction Manager. I was involved in the construction of hospitals in Lincoln, Hastings and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia; Educational Buildings in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas; meat packing plant and power plants in Nebraska; and water treatment facilities in South Dakota and Colorado. Was also involved in the construction of State and Federal Penal Institutions in Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, and New Jersey and in the construction of Pharmaceutical Facilities in Nebraska, Colorado, and North Carolina; Semi-conductor Facilities in Texas and Colorado; shopping malls in Minnesota and Colorado; office buildings in Nebraska, Texas, South Dakota and Colorado; and sports complexes in Colorado.
INTERESTS: Hobbies include wood working and golf. I also find time to sail with my son, Craig, on his 41-foot sailboat (Hakuna Matata) which is docked at Lake Texoma. In March 2004, we sailed it together across the Gulf of Mexico from Punta Gorda, Florida, into Kemah, Texas. I also have been fishing in Alaska for King Salmon and Halibut-my prize catch being a 134-pound Halibut. My new obsession is now genealogy-Tracing our ancestry as far back as we can.