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Obituary for Donald Richard Jacobs
Donald Richard Jacobs, a longtime resident of Redford Township, died peacefully on November 21, 2016, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 87 years old.
Born on July 30, 1929 in Detroit, he was one of five children of Joseph B. and Martha (Pfeifer) Jacobs. When Don was five, in the midst of the Great Depression, his father died and he, along with his brothers, took care of the family. Don’s childhood shaped the man he became, where hard work, honest labor, strong faith and family love were the lessons of his upbringing. He grew up in Epiphany Parish, graduated from McKenzie High School and served in the United States Marines as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic from March, 1952 until March, 1954. Don owned his own milk route for many years and worked in the school system as a janitor before quickly becoming in charge of the grounds maintenance.
In the 1940’s, while working at Hudsons downtown, Don met the young Lois Mae Bergley. After a brief courtship, Don and Lois were married on September 16, 1950 at Epiphany Parish in Detroit. They made their home in Redford and were blessed with the birth of their son, Rick. The family enjoyed many family fishing vacations and cherished time spent at their cottage on Black Lake in Onaway, Michigan for over forty years. Family was of the utmost importance to Don, and in 1973, after his brother Joe’s death, his sister, Martha and their mother moved into Don and Lois’ home in Redford Township. Don was stoic, “old school” and worked hard for everything he had. He was honest, stubborn and a fierce competitor. While always exhibiting a tough exterior, Don’s heart was full of love for his wife, his son, grandchildren and and great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois M. Jacobs in 1998; parents, Joseph B. and Martha E. (Pfeifer) Jacobs; brothers, Joseph L. and Gerald; sister, Martha Ann and in-laws, Arthur and Clarissa Bergley. He is survived by his son, Rick (Cathie) Jacobs; grandchildren, Lisa, Eileen and Tim (Ruby); great-grandchildren, Bram, Zeke and Fynn; sister, Patricia (the late Al) Blais and extended family members.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. William Parish, 531 Common St, Walled Lake, MI, on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 10 AM, with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Burial Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Angela Hospice or Community Sharing.
For further information phone Lynch & Sons, Milford at 248-684-6645.
