LeRoy “Jake” L. Jacoby, age 87 of the Town of Matteson, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2020 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton.
LeRoy “Jake” Louis Jacoby was born July 22, 1932 in Clintonville, WI, son to the late Herman and Martha (Korth) Jacoby. He attended school locally at small school house, and graduated from Clintonville High School. Jake served his country in the Army as an M.P. overseas during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the military, he worked for a short time at the Neenah Foundry. Jake was united in marriage to LaVonne “Bonnie” Mehlberg on Nov. 21, 1959 in Clintonville. Later, he leased the Phillips 66 fueling station in Clintonville and operated that for about 15 years. In 1985, Jake started work at Wunch Farm supply, now known as Clintonville Refrigeration until his retirement. Jake was able to experience the Old Glory Honor Flight and was proud of his military service; he also was a member of the V.F.W. Post #664, where he was a past commander as well as served on the honor guard. He was a faithful member of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, where he served on the Board of Elders, ushered, and participated in the choir. Jake really enjoyed his vintage John Deere tractors and was a member of the 2-Cylinder Club. He loved being outdoors, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and decorating his house for every holiday. While he didn’t actually hunt himself, he loved the camaraderie that came with heading to deer camp with the group and spending time with friends and family. If you were looking for Jake, he could often be found having his morning coffee at “the office,” (Badger Tap, Embarrass), with his grandsons. In his free time, Jake also enjoyed camping at his spot on Mayflower Lake near Birnamwood.
He is survived by: daughters, Lyndi (Don) Nelson, Pulaski and LaDona Wyant, New London; sons, Michael (Vickie) Jacoby, Clintonville and Marty (Tammy) Jacoby, Clintonville; grandchildren: Amanda (Jason) Vanderhoof, Jessica (Nate Ongemach) Nelson, Brooklyn (Danny) Sigl, Autumn Wyant, Elijah Wyant, Athena Wyant, Jonathan Jacoby, Joseph Jacoby, Britany (Zach) Bussian, and Trevor (Jenny Mueller) Jacoby and great-grandchildren, Braylee and Kenzi. Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVonne “Bonnie”; a son, Kit, in infancy; and his brother Leon (Lorraine) Jacoby.
A memorial service will be held at a later date once the COVID-19 gathering restrictions are lifted. The service will be held at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Christian Burg officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville. Inurnment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Embarrass. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Jacoby family. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.