Walter F. Jacobs

Walter F. Jacobs, 96, a resident at New Perspective Senior Living, Silvis, formerly of Geneseo, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, while at his home at New Perspective.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Reverend Jeff French will officiate.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Geneseo.  Military honors will be accorded.  Visitation will be from 9-11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to Faith Baptist Church, 10560 Wolf Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Walter was born April 3, 1926, in Harris, MO, the son of William Edward and Jennie Ethel (McCalley) Jacobs.  He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force as a Corporal at the end of World War II.  He was united in marriage to Helen Dennison on August 10, 1946.  Helen preceded him in death on May 16, 1957.  He later married Irene Orkwis Tady on December 5, 1959, in Rock Island.  Irene preceded him in death on July 20, 2019.

After the service, Walter was very proud to be employed by John Deere.  He worked at the Harvester Plant in East Moline for 35 years, until his retirement in 1981.  Walter’s pride and joy was his home on Wolf Road.  He loved mowing his lawn, growing watermelon and pumpkins to sell, and driving around on his golf cart.  He loved working with his hands, especially on cars.  There were not too many things he couldn’t fix!  He was always taking things apart and putting them back together.  He and Irene loved sitting on their glider in the front yard watching all the cars go by.  Walter loved Jesus and was very strong in his faith. 

Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.  He was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church, Geneseo.

Survivors include his children, Marilyn VandeWalle, Rock Island, Jerry (Mary) Jacobs, Geneseo, Guy (Marsha) Tady, Mesa, AZ, Jan (Tom) Unruh, Avon, IL, and Doug (Susan) Jacobs, Newton, KS; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his first wife, Helen; daughter, Wanda Sutton; son, Kenneth Jacobs; and brothers, Calvin, Harley, Lloyd, and Tom Jacobs.

The family would like to thank ProMedica Hospice Services (Heartland Hospice) for taking such good care of Walter.  He loved each and every one of his caregivers.  Also, many thanks to New Perspective Senior Living for their care.