Deputy Jacob Keltner Posted: 2019-03-09 15:15:33

Deputy Jacob Keltner

Obituary

Jacob Howard Keltner, 35 of Crystal Lake, died March 7, 2019 in Rockford, Illinois.
Jacob was born the son of Howard and Helen Keltner. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Spanish and a minor in law enforcement and justice administration. On August 10, 2007 he married Rebecca Lee Cranston. From a very young age Jake knew he wanted to be a police officer. He started in a civilian position with DuPage County Sheriff’s Department and soon joined McHenry County Sheriff’s Department where he was working patrol, then moved into investigations as a detective, and for seven years in narcotics, while assigned to the United States drug enforcement administration -Rockford Office Group # 39 and for the last five years assigned to United States Marshal Great Lakes Regional Fugitive task force. He loved his job and was very good at what he did. He enjoyed working out, especially biking. He enjoyed swimming with his boys during the summer. He was a die-hard Cubs fan. Jake was an all-around great guy who was an awesome provider for his wife and his beloved boys, He was a prankster who had a contagious laugh and literally could talk to anyone he met. Jake was a devoted son, husband, father, brother and dear friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Becki, and their young boys Caleb and Carson. By his parents, Helen and Howie Keltner, his brothers, Zachary (Latasha) Keltner and Lucas (Christine) Keltner, and by his grandmother Theresa Sekowski. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Don Cranston, sister-in-laws, Amy (Fiance Ryan Hoven) Cranston, and Holly (Tirso) Castro Rodriquez and by, nieces, nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Pam Cranston and sister, Sara, by his grandparents, Robert and Patricia (nee Costello) Keltner, and by his grandfather, Eugene J. (Sy) Sekowski. And his aunt Patricia Hernbroth (nee Keltner)
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at DeFiore Funeral Home located at 10763 Dundee Road in Huntley, Illinois. The public visitation hours are from 2:00 to 8:00pm with a formal law enforcement walk through at 6:00pm.
The funeral will occur on Wednesday, March 13 at Woodstock North High School located at 3000 Raffel Road in Woodstock, Illinois the funeral will start at 10:00am.
More information, including parking locations and the funeral procession route, will follow as things process in the planning.
On-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family to be used for a family trust. Please make checks to Rebecca Keltner and mail them to the funeral home.

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Wendy Gatz 2019-03-09 15:41:36

Our hearts are broken! Our Love is with you Always.

Art and Lora Prueser 2019-03-09 16:13:42

We are keeping your family in our prayers. Jake was a special part of our children's youth. At school and in Scouts- we have wonderful memories. You should be very proud of the man Jake became.

Tim and Marita Hyde 2019-03-09 17:10:29

No words can help at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Love Timothy and Marita

Cindy McAllister 2019-03-09 17:17:56

Thank you for your service. God be with your family & give them peace. Rest in peace.

Sharon & Ernie Vanscoit 2019-03-09 17:47:24

Our hearts are heavy with sadness, our prayers go out to you and your family, we are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all!

Robert Amundsen 2019-03-09 18:41:49

My prayers for the family and fellow Law Enforcement family. May God bless and watch over all of you.

Susan and Bart Chapin/ Rockford & Front Royal, Va. 2019-03-09 18:45:48

May God’s Unending Love and Peace surround the entire Keltner Family as you go forward. Please know that Jake’s ultimate sacrifice to keep this world a safer place will never be forgotten! God Bless each and every one of you.

Theresa M Novak 2019-03-09 18:51:41

Thank you so much for your great service of many years in the police department and all the good will you have shown. I pray for your wife and children and your fellow officers that have suffered this great loss. Thank you again for your services.

Janis and Mike Gricki 2019-03-09 19:06:45

Sending our prayers to his family,MAY GOD HOLD ALL OF YOU CLOSE during this very sad time, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU and rest in peace deputy Jake. A JOB WELL DONE

Michael and Pattii Carrigan 2019-03-09 19:32:34

♥️ So much hurt - we are praying for everyone with all our hearts and love ❤️

Dennis Guzlas 2019-03-09 19:50:46

Our prayers to all of the families. God Bless You All. Stay strong as families and remember all the good memories.

The Anfeldt Family 2019-03-09 20:40:58

No words can truly express our sympathy during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With God's Love, Nick, Jamie, Nicky, & Benji Anfeldt

Frank Hoffman Retired Detective DuPage County SHeriff 2019-03-09 20:53:50

Many prayers to Jacobs wife and kids To Howard and your wife you know how close I feel to this kind of thing my heartfelt condolences

carol berglund 2019-03-09 21:39:43

On behalf of the Boone county fire protection district #1 we would like to extend our condolences to Officer Keltner's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time. Carol Berglund- Trustee

Jeff and Virginia Short 2019-03-09 22:02:12

Words cannot express the depth of our feelings for your family. Our prayers for strength and peace are with you all.

Pastor Lazeric Hudson 2019-03-10 00:57:42

My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Howard and the Keltner family. I share in the loss of your son. May God's hand of comfort continue to support you and keep you. God Bless.

Lenz Family 2019-03-10 09:23:42

Our hearts are broken. All our love and deepest condolences to the entire Keltner Family

Disabled American Veterans Blackhawk Life Chapter 29 2019-03-10 09:47:54

On behalf of the Disabled American Veterans, we would like to wish our condolences to the family and all those who truly knew him. In a time where criminals are made into heros, Deputy Jacob Keltner depicts what a true Hero is, by going into the fight instead of retreating. He put himself in harm's way to protect others, a rare courage shared by first responders and veterans alike. We Salute you Deputy Kelter and your family. God Bless Scott Haugh CMDR.

Mike Willison 2019-03-10 09:50:26

Our prayers are with your families. God bless all of you.

John Amann USAF Retired 2019-03-10 10:03:21

Our hearts go out to you and your family for your loss. The men and women who work hard every to protect us and our communities are one of the most valuable assets this country has. I wish you family well and understand the sacrifice you face. May he rest in peace and we will never forget his work his dedication and his service. In todays world many dont understand the work and the danger these men face every day. Blue lives matter.

Louann Coates DAV Blackhawk Life Chapter29 adjutant 2019-03-10 10:32:15

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to Officer Keltner’s family, friends, and brother and sisters in law enforcement. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort in knowing that Officer Keltner is up above watching and guarding over all of you in the days, to come. Yes, Blue Lives Matter as well as all of our military who are out there protecting this great country of ours each and every day. May the Lord Bless and Keep you in this time of sorrow. God Bless you all .

Cherri and Ray Anderson 2019-03-10 12:24:48

Our hearts are heavy for to you at this time. We will hold your family in our prayers. We thank Jake for his service...he paid the ultimate price. Peace from God be with you.

Cynthia Neath Rockford 2019-03-10 12:44:50

I know things will be very hard in coming days everyone will be thinking of your family and everyone in blue sending love to all there is no reason anything like this should ever happen all of you hang on tightly to each other and memories

Dolores & Don 2019-03-10 13:00:02

No words can express the grief your family is feeling in your hearts. My prayers are with you, your family and all the officers that share this painful experience. My husband was an officer for 30 years and it seems today's times are more difficult for the Officers whom serve the community today. May God bless you and your family. Dolores & Don Rhoney

Darryl, Chryle and Sydni Williams 2019-03-10 13:48:03

We are deeply sorry for the pain you are suffering and the great loss you must endure. Take solace in knowing that Jake isn’t alone that God and all of heaven are rejoicing in his homecoming. Jake ran the race marked out for him with perseverance and now his eyes are fixed on Jesus. May Gods peace comfort each of you and give rest to your souls. We love you.

Kathleen & Jeff Fink 2019-03-10 14:23:02

Thank you for your service. Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.

Dave & Susan Ratliff 2019-03-10 15:24:16

We are so very sorry for the loss of your son, husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joann Hartmann 2019-03-10 16:01:10

Dear Becki, Caleb, Carson, Howie, and Helen, No one knows the pain you are experiencing; it is unique to you and only you. I can only wish for you that you have faith in God to help you through, and know that He, also feels your pain and weeps with you. I, too, feel your pain; my heart aches that this has happened. Remember Jake's goodness, his laughter, and his love. It will get you through the days, and one day, you will smile again. One day, you will laugh again. I know this to be true. Becki, I have stood where you stand; my sons have stood where Caleb and Carson stand. My in-laws have stood where Howie and Helen stand. There are no words, although I am trying to give you hope for the future, for there is a future and the future is in Caleb and Carson. Other than Howie and maybe Helen, you don't know me, but I am family, and now am Becki's sister of a spouse of a Fallen Hero. Call me if you wish. I love all of you, and will be praying for God to help you through.

Lowell 2019-03-10 17:04:04

So sorry for your loss. Did not know Jacob but have children his age and grand children so feel your loss through them. God bless.

Retired Deputy Barbara Marcell DuPage County Sheriff Office 2019-03-10 18:08:36

My heart is breaking for all of your family. Keep your memories close to your heart. Know that many people are praying for you. God Bless.

Jeff and Virginia Short 2019-03-10 18:12:11

Words cannot express the depth of our feelings for your family. Our prayers for strength and peace are with you all.

Bev Cicolello 2019-03-10 22:32:23

My heart breaks for you and your family as you grieve this special man. May love surround you in the days ahead and bring you a sense of peace. Please know there are many in the surrounding area who are holding your tender hearts in prayer. RIP, sir. Thank you for your service!????

John and Diane Tuttle 2019-03-10 22:48:28

No words can help at this difficult time. Thank you for your service. Our prayers go out to you and your family, may God bless and watch over all of you.

Michele Rekett 2019-03-11 00:48:18

Your family doesn’t know me, and I am simply a resident in Huntley who is so saddened by your story. My heart breaks for your family and this tremendous loss you are experiencing. May your memories provide the light to carry you through your grief. My husband, Brian, and I will be praying for some solace for you and may God show all humanity what a true hero would so selflessly do for his community. RIP Jake.

T.K. 2019-03-11 05:47:32

sadness and sorrow...these two words hardly come close to what your family is feeling...may Our Lord be there with you now and always to deal with this devastation...know that hundreds of thousands of people are praying for all of you.

Steve & Judy McCloud 2019-03-11 07:55:17

Dear Becki, Caleb, Carson, Howie, and Helen, Our hearts go out to you all in this most difficult time. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jake but he worked with our Son Justin and to hear Justin talk about Jake I feel as though we've know him for a very long time. Have faith in God and Family and you'll get through this with fond memories of Jake. God Bless you all.

Mary Ellen Crabtree, widow of Chief Deputy Robert J. Crabtree 2019-03-11 08:54:28

My heartfelt condolences to Jacob's entire family. Please know that you all are in my prayers today and for the days to come.

Stephanie Donlan 2019-03-11 10:19:11

Words cannot describe the sorrow and pain I wish I could take away from the Keltner family at this time. Many prayers and precious moments will continue through the future in the loss of this special hero.

Perry & Jenny Carlini 2019-03-11 10:49:36

Bekki ~ We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your boys. Sending Hugs!!!

Lin 2019-03-11 10:59:28

Thank you for serving Deputy Keltner. I salute you and pray for your family.

Jan Chambers 2019-03-11 11:15:29

II just have no words to describe how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lin 2019-03-11 11:42:09

Thank you for serving Deputy Keltner. I salute you and pray for your family.

Herb Pitzman Chief of Police Ret, Woodstock 2019-03-11 11:47:18

On behalf of my wife Jackie and myself, our condolences to the entire Keltner family and all his brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community. May God bless and comfort each and everyone of you through this most difficult time.

Mike and Linds Fields 2019-03-11 12:19:16

Our love and prayers for all the family. Y’all do not know us but we are the parents of a McHenry Deputy. My heart aches and my tears are heavy. God be with everyone. We feel your grief and sorrow.

Steve & Judy McCloud 2019-03-11 12:33:33

Dear Becki, Caleb, Carson, Howie, and Helen, Our hearts go out to you all in this most difficult time. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jake but he worked with our Son Justin and to hear Justin talk about Jake I feel as though we've know him for a very long time. Have faith in God and Family and you'll get through this with fond memories of Jake. God Bless you all.

Connie n Katie Pfursich and family 2019-03-11 12:53:09

We are so sorry for your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Thank you for serving and protecting the community

Paul Sahs, retired DuPage county Sheriffs Dept. 2019-03-11 13:01:49

May your loss be heaven's gain. My condolences to Howie, who I worked with, and my sorrow for Jacob's wife and children. Be strong.

Alfredo and Angela (Starr) Palafox 2019-03-11 13:26:11

My heart breaks for Jake's family during this unimaginable time. Our deepest condolences to his wife, sons and family.

The Davis Family (Dep. M. Davis DuPage Co.) 2019-03-11 13:29:40

Our deepest and sincere condolences for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the entire Keltner family and my the Lord walk beside you and give you peace. Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the children of God. Howard I am at a loss for anything to reassure you at this time but know that just as you did with all of us that you trained and commanded I am sure you inspired an incredible level of duty, honor and loyalty in Jacob, rest easy knowing he exemplified those traits in life and service.

Jonathon J Gabric 2019-03-11 14:14:20

Deputy Keltner, Thank you so much for your service. Because of you and others who served with you we sleep a little better in a safer world. To Becki and the rest of Jake's family, may you find find peace and comfort! Bless you all!

Irene Kuc 2019-03-11 14:14:25

The Bible tells us - To give on's life for another is the greates love of all. I sending my deepest condelence on the loss of your husband, father of your children and protector in McHenry County. Praying that God our Savior is with you during this very sad time and always to help you carry on with the loving memory of Jacob in your heart. God Bless You All.

Jim Beal (former Dupage Deputy) 2019-03-11 21:03:45

I did not know Jacob but I know Howard. I understand Jacob was one hell of a good guy. My deepest condolences to Howard and all of your family.

Rob Crylen 2019-03-11 21:16:34

I am so so sorry for your loss. I just found out my son Jeff teaches your children music in CL. I can’t imagine the pain you are experiencing. God bless you.

Shauna 2019-03-11 21:27:55

I don’t know the family; however, this story has stayed on my mind. May God shower all of you with peace and understanding at this time. The coming days will be hard, but I pray the memories of Officer Keltner bring you some sort of comfort. He left this world a hero. My family is praying for your family.

Diane Hawkins 2019-03-11 22:01:49

Although we have never met I will be praying for your entire family... The beautiful letter you wrote, and shared with all of us, about your husband will resonate always! May the Lord bless you, your sweet boys & entire family.

Diane Hawkins 2019-03-11 23:40:21

Although we have never met I will be praying for your entire family... The beautiful letter you wrote, and shared with all of us, about your husband will resonate always! May the Lord bless you, your sweet boys & entire family.

hon. h. Simpson II 2019-03-12 07:15:47

We appreciate your sevice

Marcy Blank 2019-03-12 08:03:22

No words can express our sympathy. Our hearts are heavy with grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Keltner family.

Amy Hataway 2019-03-12 08:33:41

May you cherish the memories that you have had with your amazing husband. May god rest his soul. One day you will see him again. Stay strong and take one day at a time. You will have many stories to always share with your boys. My biggest prayers and my heart go out to you and your boys. Jake will always be with you. God Bless your family.

Bill and Jenny Hertz 2019-03-12 09:28:52

Howie and Helen, We are so sorry for your loss of Jake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and everyday.

Rebecca 2019-03-12 10:20:10

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

LISA 2019-03-12 11:15:19

As I offer my condolences, it is with sincerity that I pray for two of the promises from the Holy writings: "and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." - Phil. 4:7 Also, what the future holds for your beloved one: "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out..." John 5:28,29 For more comfort from the scriptures please visit: https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no3-2018-nov-dec/agony-of-grief/

Mike Boese 2019-03-12 11:31:34

My words cant express how I feel at this moment, my Prayers for your family. God Bless

James & Yoshida Robetson 2019-03-12 11:42:54

In this time of sadness may you be comforted in the knowledge that we care. Howard & Helen so sorry for your loss. May you find strength.

Linda and Gordon Bowe 2019-03-12 18:43:39

We never had the opportunity to meet Jake but we want to extend our condolences to you and your family.

Lynne 2019-03-12 19:39:22

Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of you husband and best friend.

Susanne Stutheit 2019-03-12 20:24:25

Prayers for your family from a Fort Worth, Texas Policeman's mother. Thoughts and prayers for all officers far and wide and their families back home.

Roseann Roth 2019-03-12 21:20:00

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your sons A life taken to soon but there are holes in floors of heaven and Jacob will.be looking down to keep up his watch There are no words to comfort you But you will have loads of new friends to help

Linda Decker 2019-03-13 06:15:06

My deepest condolences to his family and fellow officers. My prayers are with you all.

Mary Arndt 2019-03-13 07:12:20

My Deepest Condolences. My Thoughts & Prayers for the whole Family. XO

Prairiewood Elementary School, Woodstock, IL 2019-03-13 08:25:53

With deepest sympathy to the parents, wife, children, family and friends of McHenry County Sherrif's Officer Jacob "Jake" Keltner from the students and staff of Prairiewood Elementary School in Woodstock, IL. Today, March 13th, 2019, we wear dark blue in his memory.

Maureen Brzinski 2019-03-13 10:46:44

My prayers are with you and your family. Always remember God is holding your right hand through life.

Terry Sifrer 2019-03-13 17:12:51

Thinking of the keltner family and Sending prayers.

Family of Thomas and Mitzi Sekowski 2019-03-13 17:32:18

Cathy, Sue, Laura and Joel pray for your peace and the comfort of remembrance of the love you shared with Jacob. He is with a loving family in heaven, now all watching over you and yours. Jacob has honored all of us, with all that is good, courageous, and dedicated. God Bless you.

Sue 2019-03-13 17:42:53

To the keltner family our thoughts and prayers go out to.

Kenny and Linda Kane 2019-03-13 18:48:44

Please accept our sincere condolences We read your letter and, like anyone with a heart, deeply sympathize. Experience taught us that you learn to live with situations but it never goes away. We thank you both for your services, sacrifice, and pray that Jacob and God help you find the strength for two little boys. With love.......

Rose Young 2019-03-13 21:43:55

My deepest condolences to the family of this brave man. Very sorry for your loss.

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