Willard Roy Jacobs

Willard Roy Jacobs was born on January 27, 1937, to William and Laura (Thomas) Jacobs. He spent his childhood on the family farm south of Yutan, NE, with his parents, older brother Clifford, and younger sister Norma. Following his high school graduation, Willard served two years in the United States Army stationed at Fort Hood, WA, earning the rank of Specialist 4th Class as a tank gunner. Willard married Joanne Ruth Jensen on December 9, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE. Willard purchased the family farm south of Yutan, NE, in 1963, where he and Joanne farmed and raised their three children: twins Michele and Lance, and Trent. Willard was very frugal in meeting his own needs but never hesitated to generously provide love, comfort, and opportunities to his wife and children. Willard was a quiet man who had an amazing work ethic. In addition to being a dedicated grain and livestock farmer, he worked full-time for 30 years as a carpenter/drywaller for Eliason & Knuth Drywall Company. Willard was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, and he was a faithful Husker football fan who rarely missed watching or listening to the games. He was an extremely philanthropic man who donated to multiple charitable organizations and took great pride in responding to every opportunity to donate blood during Red Cross blood drives. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, and brother Clifford. Willard is survived by his sister, Norma Jacobs of Sacramento, CA, and sister-in-law Marilyn Jacobs of Columbus, OH; Michele (Steve) Allen of Lincoln, NE, Lance (Shelly) of Yutan, NE, and Trent (Kelly) of Elkhorn, NE. Grandchildren: Alyssa Jacobs (fiancé Ricky Arnett), Julia Jacobs (fiancé Ryan Leiderbrand), Teagan Jacobs, Brennan Jacobs, Courtney (Trevor) DeSchepper, Joel Nelson, Jarod Nelson, Meagan Becker, Jaiden (Cameron) Einspahr, and Jack Lesmeister. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Yutan, NE, from 2-5 PM. A private funeral ceremony and private Interment at Hollst Lawn Cemetery will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Charter Health Hospice staff, and the entire staff as well as residents Robert and Jeff at Pathfinder Place in Fremont, NE, for the wonderful kindness and care given to Dad. The family requests that donations be made to the Omaha Open Door Mission in memory of Willard’s desire to provide for those in need.

Willard Roy Jacobs

January 27, 1937 - September 13, 2023