William Joseph Jacobberger

William Joseph Jacobberger was born July 14, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska to Camille Paul and Elizabeth Margaret (Persinger) Jacobberger. He grew up in North Omaha; was educated at Holy Angels and North High School. His childhood was a very happy one with a loving mother and father in a beautiful home, built by his father. Bill had 4 sisters and 5 brothers. Two sisters and a brother died very young. He was close to all his siblings throughout his life. He was especially close to his sister, Lorraine, who taught him many things (for example, they made their own silk thread from silkworm cocoons). He was also very close to his brothers, Frank and Louie, who were born after him. Growing up, the three brothers enjoyed fishing and hunting. Bill talked about roller skating, recorded memories of ice skating escapades, and catching turtles. Fascination with wildlife was life-long. In January 1942, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. His brother Louis accompanied him to the recruiter. He served his country during World War II on the battleship, USS New York and the heavy cruiser, USS Baltimore. He was in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns, seeing action as a gunner’s mate in the Pacific. He was discharged honorably in December 1945. Bill married Patricia Marie Sutej on October 11, 1947 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Omaha. In his words, he immediately liked Pat’s smile, outgoing personality, and honesty. They were married for 60 years and had five children: James William, Linda Marie, Mary Elizabeth, Denise Claire, and Mark Joseph. They made their home in Omaha for 48 years before moving to Valley, Nebraska in 1995. Bill worked as a commercial artist for ~25 years and then as a custodian for the Omaha Public Schools for 13 years before retirement at the age of 63. Through the child-rearing years, Bill still enjoyed fishing and hunting, but added playing cards, golf, horseshoes, and bowling. In all of this, except horseshoes, his wife, Pat was always at his side. Bill loved both listening to and playing music. He played the harmonica until his death. He and Pat always enjoyed dancing. For less active times, he enjoyed drawing, reading, bird watching and working crossword puzzles. He was also a big Nebraska football fan. Everything that was good and interesting made Bill happy. He devoted most of his time and interest to his wife and family, which were the most important things to him. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember him as one of the kindest and gentlest persons that they have ever known. Bill once described himself as “a person who is patient and tolerant of everyone around him. Having a forgiving nature, and quick to forget if taken advantage of.” His family feels this is a perfect description of him. Bill passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at the Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, 9 siblings (Mercedes, Elizabeth, Marie, Gerard, Leo, Bertram, Lorraine, Francis, and Louis), and his beloved wife, Pat. Bill is survived by his children and their spouses: James and Suzi Jacobberger of Chesterland, Ohio; Linda and Jerry Leahy of Omaha; Mary and Mike Petersen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Denise and Rich Glenn of Fremont, Nebraska, and Mark and Alice Jacobberger of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 18 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

William Joseph Jacobberger

July 14, 1922 - December 16, 2008