Ronald “Ron” Jakobi
Ronald (Ron) Jakobi, 78, Granton, passed to eternal peace with his family by his side, on Sunday, Feb. 16, after a short battle with cancer.
Ron Jakobi was born May 27, 1946, in the town of Eaton to Roland (Butch) and Irene (Brown) Jakobi. He received his education and graduated from Granton High School, Class of 1964. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves. He was stationed in Newport, R.I., and served as a cook on the USS Garcia. He served until 1967. Ron married the love of his life, Carol Strey, on Aug. 9, 1969. Carol passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 1999.
Ron worked as a cheesemaker at Schlinsog Dairy and Bletsoe Dairy from 1966-1977. He then worked as a patrolman for the township of York from 1977 to 1985. After that, he worked for Noeldner Construction, and then went on to drive milk truck and semi-truck for Norman Bymers, Smith Feed Transport, Randt Trucking, Lynn Dairy, and Eric Bauer Trucking until his retirement in 2013. Ron logged a lot of miles on the road and received several awards for accident-free driving over the years.
Ron enjoyed many things, including dancing. He and Carol were members of the Loyal Circle Eights, and the Black River Twirlers square dance clubs. They square danced two or three nights a week and enjoyed many square dance conventions. Ron enjoyed wedding dances with a great band. You could find him out on the floor for polkas, waltzes, fox trots, and a flying dutchman or two. He enjoyed traveling with Carol. He also enjoyed being outside and tending his garden and flower beds, and feeding and watching the birds. He enjoyed tinkering in his shed or “workshop.” He also spent time deer hunting during rifle season. He enjoyed time with family, and could be found helping his in-laws on the family farm when they were farming, and just spending time with his family and grandkids. Ron’s quick wit and ability to make you laugh will always be remembered.
Ron was a member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Granton, where he volunteered as a trustee for many years fixing, painting, and gardening. In recent years, he spent many summer days mowing the lawn at church and doing whatever he could to make the church yard as neat as possible. Ron was also a member of the Loyal American Legion Post 175.
Ron is survived by his two children, Charlotte (Duane) Johnson of Granton, and Lynette (Daniel) Baird of Arpin; four grandchildren: Kevin (Lindsey Frick and daughter Maelee) Johnson, Kayla Johnson, Dakota (Makayla Keuffer) Baird, and Kasidee (Noah Ulrich) Baird and brother Kenny (Rita) Jakobi. He is further survived by his brothersand sisters-in law: David Strey of Granton, Allen (Barbara) Strey of Eau Claire, Kay Severt, Dennis (Sandy) Strey, and Gary (Sandy) Strey, all of Marshfield; and many nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents, Roland (Butch) and Irene Jakobi; and his brothers: Roger, Richard (Dick), Bruce, and Terry Jakobi. He was also preceded in death by Carol’s parents, Victor and Delores Strey; and a brother-in-law, Melvin Severt Jr.
Funeral services for Ron will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Granton. Pastor Daniel Schoessow will officiate. Music will be provided by Caroline Helm, organist. Interment will be in the Windfall Cemetery with military honors performed by the Loyal American Legion. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and from 10-11 a.m., Friday, at the Zion Lutheran Church.
The pallbearers will be Kevin Johnson, Dakota Baird, Brandon and Isaac Jakobi, and Hunter and Mason Walter. Honorary pallbearers are Kayla Johnson and Kasidee Baird.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Granton.
Thank you to the staff at Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for their help in taking care of Ron in recent weeks.
Ron will be missed by many! We know that you are already dancing again with Mom…but save a dance for us, Dad!
Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Ron’s family with funeral arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY 164939
