Geraldine Vera Jacob, age 98, formerly of Tomah, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Burlington, Iowa. She was born February 2, 1926, to James and Vera Robertson at the farm home south of Tomah, Wisconsin.
Following graduation from Tomah High School, she attended La Crosse Technical School and then worked as a secretary for the American Red Cross at the hospital at Fort McCoy.
She was married in 1945, to her high school sweetheart, Russell Jacob for 66 years. They raised two daughters, Adena and Angela and farmed until 1966. In the early years, they both worked at the Habelman cranberry business in Warrens. In 1976, Gerry worked for the Tomah Public Schools as an aid to special needs students.
She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, and committee member. She was a proud member of the United Methodist Women and Elizabeth Circle.
Her community interests included the Tomah Area Food Shelf, Red Cross bloodmobile and American Legion Auxiliary. Gerry loved the Milwaukee Braves (in the day) and always the Green Bay Packers!
She was a devoted grandma to Krista (Hanson) Love and Karrie Hanson of Seattle, WA, and Melissa (Sharp) Olson of Burlington, IA. Her great grandchildren, Kailee Sharp and Baylen Olson in Iowa and Emily Hanson in Seattle, WA were her “loves”, along with a great great granddaughter scheduled to be born on the day of her passing. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews in Tomah, California, and Georgia.
Gerry became a devoted care giver to her husband during years of kidney failure and dialysis. Following his death, she moved to Iowa, and enjoyed many happy years in an apartment at King’s Sons and Daughters Home, a few blocks from Angela, her constant companion and advocate. At age 93, a fall sent her to Great River Medical Center. Weakness and failing memory issues placed her in Cobblestone Hill, where she was well cared for until her passing.
Geraldine was preceded in death by an infant son, her husband, and daughter, Angela. She was the last of her family, preceded by her parents, and sisters, Berniece Hancock and June Gerke.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Claudia Deede will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1105 Butts Avenue, Tomah, WI 54660 or the Kings Daughters and Sons Home, 628 S Leebrick St, Burlington, IA 52601. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
