Jeffrey Myron “Jake” Jacobs, 66 of Elkader, formerly of DeWitt, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at home with his loving wife, Cheryl, by his side. Jeff was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma in 2023. Throughout his journey, he carried the mindset of “it is what it is” and “everything will work out.” He was right — everything did work out. Jeff is now at peace with his Lord and Savior.
Funeral services were Wednesday, April 29, at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Elkader. Visitation was before services at the church.
Private burial was held at Garnavillo Community Cemetery.
Jeff was born March 4, 1960, in Davenport, the eldest son of Jerome “Jerry” and Lois (Paulsen) Jacobs. He was confirmed at St. John’s–Bliedorn Church in Grand Mound. On March 8, 1997, he married Cheryl Sullivan at St. John’s–Bliedorn. Jeff lovingly raised Cheryl’s sons, Jason and Jeremy Sullivan, as his own, and in June 1998, welcomed daughter, Caitlyn, completing the family he cherished deeply.
He graduated from DeWitt High School in 1978, where he participated in basketball and baseball. Jeff was an active member of the DeWitt FFA Chapter and earned his Iowa State FFA Degree. His dedication to agriculture and community continued through his involvement with the Welton Jr. Farmers 4-H Club, Welton Lions Club, and the Welton Fire Department. He was also a lifetime member of the National FFA Alumni Association. He spent his entire life working in agriculture, a passion that shaped both his career and his family. Alongside farming and raising purebred Hampshire hogs, he owned and operated a landscaping and greenhouse business. Jeff built a home for his family in Calamus — a place rooted in hard work, strong values, and countless cherished memories.
He proudly supported his two sons and daughter as they showed cattle throughout their 4-H and FFA years, always encouraging their growth, responsibility, and love for agriculture. Through his example, he instilled a strong work ethic, perseverance, and dedication in all three of his children, inspiring each of them to develop their own passion for the agricultural industry. He shared everything he knew about cattle with his daughter, passing down not only knowledge but a way of life — a legacy that will continue as she carries forward the family farm.
Jeff loved sports in every form. He played men’s senior baseball and proudly participated in the Senior League World Series in Arizona. He refereed countless youth basketball games, giving back to younger generations through his love of athletics. Golf was another passion, and some of his favorite memories were made teaching his family how to play and enjoying time together on the course.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cheryl; daughter, Caitlyn (Nashua Lansing) of Elkader; son, Jason (Haley) Sullivan and grandchildren, Elsa, Jory, and Judd of Lost Nation; son, Jeremy (Megan) Sullivan and grandchildren, Colt and Winston of Preston; parents, Jerome “Jerry” and Lois Jacobs of Elkader; brother, Roger Jacobs of Mesa, Ariz.; sister, Dawn (Chris) Janssen of Gilmore City; mother-in-law, Betty Geerts of Elkader; sister-in-law, Catherine Hafsi of Cedar Rapids and Rebecca (Chuck) Corbisier of Preston, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren, Mark Kroemer and Carly Janssen.
Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father-in-law.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) assisted the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.
