John F. Jacobs (Jake), 88

Our loving father “Pap a Jake” passed away October 10, 2011 at home with his family in McHenry, IL.

Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, Il 60050 on Thursday, October 13th from 4-8pm.  There will be an additional one-hour visitation at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, Il 60050 on Friday, October 14th at 10am, followed by a funeral mass at 11am.  All are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Magnificat Ministry McHenry Chapter C/O Lorraine Medford 3850 Ravenglass Ridge Rd. Crystal Lake, Il 60012, in Jake’s name.

Jake was born on September 10, 1923 to parents Frank J. Jacobs of Tracy, MN and Louise Gervais of Currie, MN. After 18 years on the family farm, he graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in 1942.  He entered the U.S. Navy shortly after.  Under the Navy’s V-12 training program, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University and was commissioned as an officer.  Upon discharge, he entered the Dominican order in River Forest, IL.  He completed his studies and was ordained a Catholic priest in Dubuque, IA.  He spent 23 years serving the educational and religious communities in various leadership and mentoring roles, including Principal at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Il.

Shortly after leaving the order, he married Audree Catalano in 1969, who survives him along with his three children, Gina (Steve) Rooney, Maria (Joseph) Novotny and Mary Frances (Patrick) Anelli.  He had an incredible love for his eight grandchildren:  Ryann, Erin, Maria, and Sarah Rooney and Madeline, Katie, Jonathan, and Paige Novotny.

His unwavering faith was the foundation and legacy of his life.  He brought abundant joy and wisdom to all those he touched.  He will be missed beyond words, but his love transcends all.