Gerald Jacob
1933-2021
Gerald Owen Jacob, age 87 of Arden Hills passed away August 13, 2021 at home with his loving family by his side after a short courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Nancy, children: Tracy (Brian) Fodstad, Bill (Mary) Jacob and Julie Jacob; grandchildren: Caitlin (Robert) Henderson, Briana Fodstad, Kyle and Elly Jacob; sisters-in-law: Sharon Fitzenberger, Pamela Rubbelke and brother-in-law Ed Fitzenberger, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Olga and Emil Jacob, infant sister, brother Melvin Jacob, and sisters Mildred Housman Mossey and Joyce Myhrum.
He was born on the family farm outside of Menahga, Minnesota on November 2, 1933. He grew up going to a country school and working on the farm.
He met the love of his life and joined her in marriage on October 15, 1960. They moved to the Twin Cities and built a home in Shoreview where they lived for 51 years. When they moved to cities, Gerry began a long career as a plumber for Honeywell retiring in November 1992, after rising to a Group Leader position.
Gerry, after work, spent many hours in his garage first restoring several Model A and Model T Fords from scraps to beautiful original restorations. He then moved on to John Deere tractors and finally in the last few year Vintage Honda motorcycles. He was also popular with family and friends and known for his skills in “fixing” almost anything, including helping his children with their many home projects.
In retirement, he very much enjoyed cheering on the grandchildren at games and other activities. They enjoyed their travel trailer with many winter trips to Arizona and camping at other spots closer to home. They loved traveling the North Shore and he especially enjoyed watching the big ore boats.
He volunteered serving breakfast many years at Dorothy Day, served on a mission trip to Appalachia with church youth, and providing a hand in the kitchen at church serving coffee, running the dishwasher at many church events, gardening at church, helping with the State Fair Park and Ride. He always was a willing helper to Nancy when called upon.
Special thanks to the Allina Health Cancer Institute, Palliative and Hospice teams.
Memorial service is planned on Sunday August 29, 2021 at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 W. County Rd C2, Roseville, MN. Masks required. Visitation is from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and service at 2:30 p.m. Gathering to follow at Cedarholm Golf Course in Roseville.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials to Centennial United Methodist Church Foundation, ACR Homes or Living Well Disability Services.