Thomas H. "Jake" Jacobs
PORTAGE – Thomas H. Jacobs, age 83, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Tivoli Assisted Living in Portage.
Tom was born on August 1, 1942, in Portage, the son of Philip and Margaret (VanWormer) Jacobs. He was an alumnus of St. Mary Grade School and graduated from Portage High School; class of 1960. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army. He had been a driver for UPS from 1973 until 2003; with a safe driving record throughout his tenure. Tom was married to Sandra Stearns on October 17, 1964, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pardeeville. He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage.
Better known as “Jake” to his friends, he loved cars, going for his daily neighborhood walk, and being around his grandchildren. You could find him tinkering in his garage regardless of the weather or the time of day. His love of the El Camino was unmatched. Tom was passionate about family, traditions, and holidays.
He is survived by his children, Stephen (Judy) Jacobs and Dawn (Michael) Nelson; grandchildren, Jacob Nelson, Sydney Jacobs, Riley Nelson, Logan Jacobs, Jack (Shelby) Nelson and Hilary (fiancé, Konnor Smith) Nelson; his great-grandson, Baker Thomas Nelson; his sisters, Mary (Kent) Parkovich and Kathleen (Jack) Barth; sisters-in-law, Loris Jacobs and Karen Jacobs; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra on November 1, 2018; and two brothers, Phillip and John Jacobs.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, in Portage, following the Mass, with Military Honors provided by Portage American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to St. Mary Catholic School.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Bristol Hospice for their care and concern, and to the staff at Tivoli.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.
