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SPICER--Mark 'Jake' James Jacobs, 74, of Spicer passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday August 22nd, 2026, after a 5+ year battle with cancer. His memorial service will be 12:00 pm, Tuesday, September 1 at The Open Door Christian Church in Spicer. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Family and friends are invited to gather after the service for lunch and to share memories of Jake who meant so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Marshall Area Hockey Association and The Open Door Christian Church. Arrangements are with West Central Cremation Service.
Jake was born on February 29, 1952 (18 1/2 years old!) in Mora, MN to Kenneth and Hazel (Anderson) Jacobs. He would spend his childhood being raised in Princeton, MN with his two older brothers where he learned to love all sports, fishing, and Jesus. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1970 and went on to graduate from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 1974 where he made many lifelong friends. Following college, Jake spent two years as a ski bum in Steamboat, CO and Flagstaff, AZ. This started Jake's love of skiing which passed down to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Jake met the love of his life, Paula, at a street dance in Zimmerman in 1975. They would go on to get married on October 16, 1976, in Santiago, MN. Soon after, he joined the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force from 1976-1980 before completing his master's degree at NDSU in Fargo, ND. After this, he landed a position with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in Marshall, MN where he worked until retirement. There they would raise their three children, Jason, Jeff and Jill. Jake was actively involved in many organizations throughout his time there including St. Stephen Lutheran Church and Marshall Hockey Association, where he dedicated many years. He would later volunteer for a number of years for Minnesota Hockey. In 2018, Jake and Paula retired to Green Lake in Spicer and have loved every minute of it.
Jake was an avid Minnesota sports fan, golfer, fisherman, and downhill skier; all things he taught his family to love, as well. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play their sports up until the very end, even when he wasn't feeling well. His greatest joy was getting to spend time with his family. They will forever cherish getting together for all of the Gopher games, the annual ski trip out west, and the endless summer days spent on Green Lake.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Paula; their children and families: Jason (Erin) Jackson (15), Finley (13) Jacobs of Mahtomedi; Jeff (Kristen), Eden (15), Isla (12), Hattie (11) Jacobs of Mahtomedi; Jill (Chris), Brooks (7) Fellows of Willmar; and many, many wonderful friends he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Clarence & MaryAnn Knutson; and his brothers, John and Peter Jacobs.
His absence leaves all who loved him heartbroken and missing him dearly. He is finally free of his pain and set free with Jesus in Heaven. Throughout his tough battle, he always remained positive and firm in his faith.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." 2 Timothy 4:7
"... so you will not grieve as those who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13.