Wade Jacobs

Wade Winfred Jacobs, 91, Wausau went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 18, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Wade was born on December 8, 1926 in Durham, NC to the late William B. and Eunice E. (Adams) Jacobs.  He faithfully served his country during WWII enlisting in the US Navy on January 8, 1944 and separating at the rank of Seaman 2nd Class on April 3, 1946.  Wade married Lois Mae Kroening on October 29, 1948 and the couple was blessed with five children: Sandra, Wade, Debra, Wanda and Juanita.  He worked very hard to support his growing family, putting in long hours at Wausau Paper Mill as a maintenance mechanic.  During this time Wade also found several side jobs helping family, friends and neighbors.   Lois and Wade also opened their home to many people with hearing impairments, sharing God’s love through sign language.  After 61 years together, Lois went home to be with her Lord on December 22, 2009.  Wade found love once more when he married his longtime friend from church, Wretha Anderson on July 16, 2011.

Wade was a well-loved, determined, hardworking man with a very strong sense of character.  When he gave you his word, it was his bond.  Wade was a self-taught mechanic, carpenter and builder.  He was very proud of the home he had built, but quickly started adding to it by raising the house up and digging a basement by hand, and then adding several additions over the years.  Wade was also well known for his tremendous sense of humor and ability to tell jokes and play practical jokes.  Following his retirement, Wade did not slow down.  Instead he shifted his energy into volunteering in the construction of Immanuel Baptist Church and serving his fellow parishioners.  In his free time, Wade enjoyed working on wood crafts and making canes (which he gave to anyone who needed them) and figuring out metal puzzles.

Wade is survived by his wife of 6 years, Wretha; children, Sandra Jacobs of Wausau, Wade (Jacqueline) Jacobs of Houston, TX, Debra (Roger) Moll of Clearwater, FL, Wanda Jacobs of Wausau and Juanita (Richard) Levandowski of Independence; Wretha’s children, Joel (Shelia) Mork and Lonnie (Vicki) Mork; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Hayward (Shirley) Jacobs and extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

The funeral service for Wade will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Immanuel Baptist Church, Rib Mountain.  Rev. Roger Davis will officiate.  The visitation will be on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; resuming on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.  Entombment will occur at Restlawn Garden of Eternal Rest with military rites to be performed by active duty US Navy personal and VFW Burns Post #388.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A very special word of appreciation goes to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Wade.