BELLEVUE, Iowa - Ernest “Jack” C. Jacobs, Jr., 94, of Bellevue, Iowa, formerly of Mendota passed away April 3, 2021 at Lincolnshire Place in Loves Park. 

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Ernest was born April 4, 1926 in Decatur to Ernest C. and Gladys (Cothern) Jacobs. He married Betty Hallett on Sept. 18, 1944.

Survivors include his wife; three children, Scott Jacobs, Marlene (Gerald) Virgil and Jackalyn (Thomas) Switzer; four grandchildren, Michelle (Douglas) Allen, Melynda (Dennis) Maurer, Quinn (Kelli) Virgil and Lance (Lauren) Jacobs; six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kinley, Ella, Hannah, Noah and Abbi; and one sister, Emma Sue (Gary) Ricketts of Arizona. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ernest was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in World War II on the USS McDermut. He and his beloved wife, Betty enjoyed a wonderful 76 years of marriage and he remained by her side as she suffered from dementia in her later years, driving himself daily to see her at her care facility throughout the last two years of his life. Though COVID interrupted these visits for a time, he ended up in the same care facility after taking a fall and was reunited with Betty and by her side during his final days. He worked as an automotive supervisor for Del Monte for 30 years before retirement. He was a Freemason for over 70 years. Throughout his many years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting with his favorite dog “Pete,” gardening and tinkering in his garage. He cherished time with his children and family throughout his life and was known to join family softball games with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren well into his 70s. Ernest had a kind soul - always willing to lend a hand to friends, family and even strangers in need. Humble and not one to recognize the vast amount of wisdom he acquired over his lifetime, he taught his family more than he will ever know . . . how to live life with integrity, love with your whole heart, stay strong through adversity, and catch the best walleye. Later in life, when family members would tell Ernest they loved him, he coined the term “I love you back.”

In lieu of memorial contributions, the family requests honoring Ernest by spending time with those you love, caring for others, being a decent human, and thinking of him should you come upon the world’s greatest fishing hole.

To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.