From the Jonathan Eilen Pits... On November 23, 2008, my brother, Jake Eilen, sadly lost his life in a one vehicle roll-over accident. The accident occurred on a Sunday evening in front of our home. Jake was 27 years old.

There are no words to describe the pain of losing a loved one. We are left only with broken hearts and treasured memories of a person who lived his life with wide-open passion.

Jake was a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend, and larger than life to those who had the pleasure of sharing their lives with him. Yet, there are no words that can do justice in accurately describing Jake. He was so many things to so many people.

As owner of Jake Eilen Trucking, he was meticulous with his equipment. His custom Peterbuilt trucks were easily identified by their chrome stacks and flamed paint schemes. He won numerous national truck shows, was photographed for calendars and, most recently, was honored with a replica of his truck due out the week of the accident. In addition to being honored with a replica of his truck, Jake and his family are also featured in one of the largest trucking magazines which can be viewed at tenfourmagazine.com. Jake loved Harley-Davidson too. His motorcycles, as with his semis, were also customized with chrome and flames.

Jake rode to his final resting place on the back of his semi with his motorcycle with him. He was accompanied by his family that he loved so much. His wife Anne, son Jaden, brother Pat, sister Jodie, and I were in the cab for his final trip. We were followed by our parents, Tom and Julie, the remainder of Jake’s fleet, and hundreds of family and friends.

With faith, we know that Jake is home and we will all be together again someday. Until then, our sun may not shine quite the same as it once did but we know that when we look to the heavens, we have an angel with a chrome stack and flamed wings watching over us. “May your soul ride free Jake!”

God bless you all for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words you have given to our family during this difficult time. Our gratitude is immeasurable.

Jonathan Eilen
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