Rt Rev Russell E Jacobus
Rt Rev Russell E Jacobus
Russ passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born in Bay View, WI, on September 27, 1944, to the late Lester and Sarah (Leistikow) Jacobus. Russ graduated from UW-Milwaukee and then matriculated to Nashotah House Seminary and was ordained deacon and priest in 1970. On May 24, 1994 he was consecrated as the Seventh Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. He married the love of his life, Jerrie, on May 25, 1968. They had three wonderful children: Penny, Beth, and David, who filled their life with lots of love, mischief, and adventure. He was well loved and loved well. He and Jerrie were married for 55 years, traveled the road where God led them, always one hand reaching out to hold the other. Russ enjoyed playing games, especially cribbage and sheepshead, and traveling in retirement. He loved music of all kinds: sacred, Broadway hits, and dancing to the oldies. He loved meeting people and sharing himself and his faith.
He will be deeply missed by Jerrie, his wife, and his children, Penny Valvo (Vincent J – granddaughters Isabella and Madison), Elizabeth Duffy (Craig), and David Jacobus (Alexandra); brother, Kenneth Jacobus of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Kathleen Evrard; nieces and nephews, Cheri Workman (David), Rachel Calleja (Michael), Jenny Larson (Neil), Stacy Evrard (Greg), and Nathan Evrard (Sara); goddaughters, Anne McClung (Craig) and Kate Dennert (Joe). He is further survived by well-loved Up North cousins and many wonderful friends he met on his way to heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Lester Jacobus; infant brother, Peter Jacobus; brothers-in-law, James Evrard, Eugene Evrard, and Joseph Evrard.
“Well done Thou Good and Faithful Servant”
SERVICES: A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 51 W. Division St., Fond du Lac, the Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter presiding. A visitation will precede the service from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Diocese of Fond du Lac or the Cathedral of St. Paul .