Gerald L. (Jake) Jacoby, 82 passed away on March 12, 2023 at Brookdale Memory Care in Mesa AZ following heart and Alzheimer’s issues over the past five years. Celebration of Life services will be held at Love of Christ Lutheran Church at 1p.m. on March 28, 2023. Mountain View Funeral Home, in Mesa, AZ is in charge of arrangements.
Gerald was born on December 29, 1940 in Onawa ,Iowa to Henry and Lois (Purdy) Jacoby. The family moved 6 years later to Overton, NE. He attended district 66 rural school and graduated from Lexington High School. Through his youth he worked on the farm, enjoyed Legion baseball and H.S. football. For the rest of his life he spent his summers in a ball uniform either playing, coaching or cheering on his grandchildren.
He was married to Verlene Magnuson on January 8, 1966 in Concord NE. Three daughters were born to this union Lisa, Teresa and Amy. From an earlier marriage he was blessed with two children, Shane and Angie. Jake served in the US Army from 1965-67 including one year in Vietnam with the 109th Air Delivery Company as a Parachute Rigger.
Jake was a dedicated employee with a very good work ethic. After 14 years as a land surveyor in California, Colorado and Nebraska he became Water Plant Manager for the City of Kearney. He spent the rest of his work life as a driver entrepreneur for himself and various businesses. He loved his driving time helping his customers, students, athletes at UNK and tourists in Rocky Mountain National Park.
His family was very important to him. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren working in his yard and garage or attending their activities; baseball, hockey, swim, piano and theater events. Community volunteering included KVFD Captain and Dive Team, President for the Eagles club, member of the Lutheran Church. Jake was a master organizer of dinners and cookouts for work, ball teams, block parties, friends and family. He loved woodworking projects, including yard games, board games or furniture. Friends and family describe him as a good guy, fun, caring, a helping hand and a practical joker!
He is survived by his wife Verlene, Daughters Lisa (Tom) Plahuta of Windsor CO, Teresa De La Rosa of Columbus OH, Amy (Greg)Jacoby-Loftis of Omaha NE, and Angie Stauffer of Cozad Ne, his sister Patty Brown of Portland OR, brother Chuck (Vickie) of Portland OR, brother in law Veldon (Kathie) Magnuson and sister in law Gloria Lessmann all of Omaha, Nine grand children Tanner, Sylvia and Nickolas Plahuta, Tavo, Mateo and Bella De La Rosa, Tyler Sanborn, Jake and Jessica Stauffer and 3 great grand children, Aunt Opal Purdy, plus many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents Henry and Lois Jacoby, sister Mickey & Ralph Denson, half sister Katherine & Sonny Merscheim, son Shane Stauffer, In laws Glenn & Irene Magnuson, Arlen & Connie Magnuson, Lynn Lessmann and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Services are at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, 1525 No. Power Rd, Mesa AZ 85205 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow.
I have only good memories of softball and the City of Kearney with Jake. He was always so nice to me and my husband. My hearts go out to the family. Good wishes to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to all of you.
So very sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. We only got to meet him once, but had a great visit then. Prayers to Verlene and all the family!!!
Kevin & Gayle Merscheim
Being your next door neighbor in Kearney I have so many fond memories of our chats over the back fence and on our back patios drinking a cool one. Our families had so much fun at all the ball games in Kearney and traveling throughout Nebraska for tournaments. Verlene, so sorry for your loss. Tell everyone hello for me. Roger
He and Verlene were so loved at our community of Sunset Park. We miss him and am blessed to have had him part of our lives.
sorry to hear of his passing.
we enjoyed having you both as neighbors = even for the short while you lived here.