Marilynn Jacobs (1927-2018)

JACOBS, LEINHAUSER, STEELE

Posted By: Kenneth Wright (email)
Date: 10/15/2018 at 08:20:22

Marilynn J. Jacobs, age 90, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 12:08 a.m., on Friday, October 12, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Marilynn's life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at St. Columbkille's Church, 1230 Rush Street, with Rev. David A. Schatz officiating. To celebrate Marilynn's life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 pm. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Marilynn was born on November 16, 1927, in Eldon, Iowa, daughter of Claude and Caroline (Leinhauser) Steele.

Marilynn grew up in Eldon, Iowa, where she graduated from high school and went on to earn her teaching certificate from the Ottumwa Community College. She taught elementary school in Eldon for a few years, before a nice young man, Paul Jacobs, would catch her eye and change her path. Marilynn and Paul were united in marriage on August 26, 1950, in Eldon, and the two were blessed with 8 children and 26 wonderful years together, before Paul was sadly called home ahead of her on September 15, 1976. After they wed, Marilynn happily became a full time wife, mother and homemaker, who took great pride in making sure her family was well cared for. Much to her family’s delight, Marilynn was very talented in the kitchen and was famous for her delicious pies. Marilynn’s faith was of utmost importance to her, she was a long time member of St. Columbkille’s Church, and was extremely active in several organizations where she could share her beliefs with others. She and Paul were very involved with Cursillo, CEW and Marriage Encounter, as well as several Bible study groups within the parish and city-wide. She was part of the Mothers Prayers Group, an associate of the Sisters of the Presentation, a founding member of the Community of the Living Word and was a staple with the Meals Program at the Rescue Mission for over 35 years. She wrote a column for The Witness called “Family Alive”, and was passionate about her work with the Spiritual Growth Program and the Social Justice Community with Sister Parish of Our Lady of the Sioux in Ogalala South Dakota. When Marilynn found some quiet time in her days, she enjoyed bird watching, getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and tend her flower gardens, or simply sitting down to read a book or put together her next puzzle. She had a great appreciation of music, which she gladly shared, by playing piano and singing in the church choir. Beyond a doubt, family was the one thing that brought the greatest joy to Marilynn’s days, especially when the grandchildren were involved. Marilynn was always their favorite “babysitter”, and she would set up sleep-overs and movie nights on a regular basis, as well as going along on family vacations. She knew how to make everyone feel special, and took joy in writing letters and sending cards for every occasion. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our sweet mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but take some comfort in the fact that she is now reunited with all of her loved ones called home ahead of her, and awaits our arrival one day in her Heavenly Home.
Those left to cherish Marilynn's memory include

her children,
Steve (Sherry) Jacobs, Dubuque, IA,
Paula (Ron) Payne, St. Joseph, IL,
Mary (Mike) Cass, Rockford, IL,
Joan (Phil) First, Atlanta, GA,
John (June) Jacobs, Madison, WI,
Don "Jake" (Cheri) Jacobs, East Dubuque, IL
and David (Roxanne) Jacobs, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Amy (Jason) Cassady, Carrie (Mike) Kane, Joshua (Lynda) Payne, Margot (Nate) Lombardi, Lauren Cass, Thomas (Jessica) Cass, Jacob First, Emily (Benoit Welsch) First, Matthew (Kaety) Jacobs, Maggie Jacobs, Paul Jacobs, Austin (Emmy) Jacobs, Christian (Emily) Jacobs, Zachary Jacobs and Dylan Jacobs;

her 15 great-grandchildren;

and her grandson-in-law,
Jim Mitchell, Dubuque, IA.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Jacobs; a son, Gregory Jacobs; a granddaughter, Laurie Mitchell; and her 4 sisters and 5 brothers.

Marilynn's family would like to extend a special thank you to Roots of Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, and everyone who has helped to care for Marilynn these past months, allowing her to stay in the home she so loved.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com