Gary L. Jacobs

Gary L. Jacobs, age 72, of Lomira and Eagle River, WI, passed away at home on January 1, 2025 surrounded by his wife and daughters. Gary was born on October 19, 1952, in Fond du Lac, to LaVerne and Margaret (nee Essman) Jacobs. He was the youngest sibling to Bill, Bob, and Sandy, and was the devoted husband of Linda. Gary was the proud father to his two daughters, and the cherished “Papa” to his four beloved grandchildren, an uncle to many, and a thoughtful friend to countless others.

After graduating from Goodrich High School in 1971, he went to Fox Valley Tech and earned his degree in electronics in 1973. He was a Master Electrician at Quad Graphics in Lomira for over 35 years where he became a go-to expert for troubleshooting and maintaining their crane and automation systems.

He married Linda (nee Engebregtsen) on July 19, 1975. Of all the relationships in his life, the relationship he shared with his wife was most dear to him. They did everything together and were best friends, fishing partners, each other’s caretaker, travel buddies, and true partners for almost five decades.

Gary’s love for his family was boundless. He was a hardworking, fiercely loving father who taught his daughters invaluable life lessons, including how to change a tire and how to musky fish. His life was defined by a deep love for his family, his strong sense of duty and a lifelong passion for fishing, a love sparked in his youth by his older brother Bill. Fishing became a lifelong pursuit, creating cherished friendships and unforgettable memories. His passion for the sport led him to many local tournaments, where he often found success. He used his tournament winnings to build the family cabin on the lake by hand, with the help of his wife Linda and many family and friends over several years. The cabin was not just a building—it was a symbol of Gary and Linda’s hard work and dedication to their children and grandchildren, a place where so many cherished memories were made, a place they gathered to laugh, relax, enjoy nature and create bonds that will last a lifetime.

His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them—teaching them to fish, having fun, sharing his wisdom, and introducing them to the wonders of the world. He made sure they knew just how special they were.

Gary’s remarkable strength and resilience were evident in the way he faced numerous health challenges. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 31, he fought the disease with determination and grace for much of his life. In recent years, he was also diagnosed with cancer, but Gary faced both illnesses with the same quiet dignity and refusal to complain. His courage and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him. He never sought sympathy, instead choosing to embrace life’s challenges with grace and perseverance, living each day to the fullest.

He was a member of the Headwaters Chapter of Muskies, Inc. where he was a past director of fish releases. He held the longest winning streak of the annual LaVerne Jacobs Trout Classic. Gary and Linda placed 5th in the PMTT World Championship in 2004.He fished in the Monday Night Muskie League in Eagle River, and was a member of the Sno-Eagles Snowmobile club.

Gary was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a hand to others. Whether helping a neighbor, offering fishing advice, or simply spending time with those he cared about, he always made others feel valued. Gary was a lifelong learner, a meticulous planner, and a detail-oriented number cruncher. He was left handed and disliked his handwriting, loved drinking tea and eating ice cream, wore buffalo plaid and canadian tuxedos often, was dyslexic but incredibly smart and was terrible at spelling. His hidden talent was being able to ride a unicycle. He was moral, meticulous, practical and frugal and would be furious about the money we spent on this long obituary.

His in-laws would like to remind him again about that Christmas many years ago when he drove into the garage with the Christmas tree still tied to the roof of the family van because he was too busy having fun singing Christmas songs with his wife and daughters.

He lived and loved well and was loved in return.

Gary’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his wife Linda, his daughters Tanya (Jason) Heimke, and Jessica (Richard) Pribnow, his grandchildren Addyson Heimke, and Sydney, Avery, and Riley Pribnow. His Brother William Jacobs, and sister Sandy (Bob) Pagel. His sisters and brothers-in-law Christine Sprout, Bonnie Lueck, Karen (Dave) Schroeder, and Susan (Al) Kennedy, David (Mary) Engebregtsen, Steve (Sandy) Engebregtsen, Dan (Sandy) Engebregtsen, John Engebregtsen, Allen (Lynn)

Engebregtsen and Tom Engebregtsen. Numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Jacobs, sister-in-law Sandy Jacobs, parents-in-laws, Chris and Eileen Engebregtsen, brother-in-laws, Al Lueck, Jim Engebregtsen, and Paul Engebretsen and his nephew Cody Engebregtsen.

SERVICES: Gary’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Zacherl Funeral Home from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A celebration of Gary’s life will take place following the visitation at 5:00 PM.

His family would like to thank Dr. Evans, those at the Fond du Lac Cancer Center, and the SSM Hospice Care nurses for their care and support of Gary and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.