Jeffrey M. Jacobs

ELKADER, IOWA

Jeffrey Myron “Jake” Jacobs, 66 of Elkader, Iowa, 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.

Jeff was born March 4, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa, the eldest son of Jerome “Jerry” and Lois (Paulsen) Jacobs. He was confirmed at St. John’s–Bliedorn Church in Grand Mound, Iowa. 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. He built a home for his family in Calamus, Iowa, creating a place filled with hard work, love, and lasting memories.

He proudly supported his two sons and daughter as they showed cattle throughout their 4-H and FFA years, always encouraging their growth and dedication. Through his example, he instilled a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a deep respect for agriculture in all three of his children, inspiring them to develop passions of their own within the industry.

He shared everything he knew about cattle with his daughter — knowledge, values, and traditions that will now live on as she carries forward the legacy of 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.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Elkader, Iowa. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Garnavillo Community Cemetery in Garnavillo, Iowa.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cheryl; daughter, Caitlyn (Nashua Lansing) of Elkader, Iowa; son, Jason (Haley) Sullivan and grandchildren Elsa, Jory, and Judd of Lost Nation, Iowa; son, Jeremy (Megan) Sullivan and grandchildren Colt and Winston of Preston, Iowa; parents, Jerome “Jerry” and Lois Jacobs of Elkader, Iowa; brother, Roger Jacobs of Mesa, Arizona; sister, Dawn (Chris) Janssen of Gilmore City, Iowa; mother-in-law, Betty Geerts of Elkader, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Catherine Hafsi of Cedar Rapids and Rebecca (Chuck) Corbisier of Preston, Iowa; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren, Mark Kroemer and Carly Janssen. 

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.