Wilford C. Jacobs (Willy, Will, Wilfy, Dad, "Unk", Gramps) surprised us all when he went home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2025 after experiencing a stroke.

Will was born on December 9, 1939 in Elyria, Ohio to Carl and Elsie (Amenhauser) Jacobs. Will was the youngest of three children and embodied his role as mischievous little brother to his two older sisters, Wanda and Wilma. One of Will's favorite tricks was teasing his sisters with one of the snakes he kept in his summer "snake pit." Will spent his free time fishing along the banks of the Black River, playing baseball with neighborhood friends and taming his pet Woodchuck. As he grew older, he employed that same spirit of mischief and fun to entertain his many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him 'Unk.'

Will possessed an outstanding work ethic nurtured by his hard working parents. From the time he was a young boy, he worked at Wilford's Hatchery. He first collected eggs and then quickly moved up the ranks to pest control.

Will was graduated from Midview High School in 1958. Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a preventive medicine specialist in Korea from 1958-1962. When he returned stateside, he dabbled in several jobs before finding his professional calling as a Surveyor for Kleinoeder-Schmidt and Associates in 1969. Will thrived in this role. He thoroughly enjoyed field work and talking to the customers he met. He stayed with the company when it was purchased in 1987 and became KS Associates. Will retired in 2007 after a combined 38 years of service.

On November 21, 1987, Will married Marlene DeLaVars Jacobs. The two of them shared a beautiful 38 year love story until the Lord called Marlene home only four days before Will's own death. Always the gentleman, Will finished walking Marlene home and then joined her as quickly as the Lord would allow.

There were many things to deeply admire about Wilford Jacobs. He loved to laugh and never took himself too seriously. He was a good listener and unfailingly honest and true. He loved nature and God's creatures. He was an outstanding gardener and backyard master and treated all who knew him to his world class produce. He was an innovative and clever problem solver and found multiple uses for his extensive twine and wire collection. Will was the undefeated Super Bowl Chili Champion and his family is grateful he shared his recipe in later years.

In the last 13 years of his life, Will gradually lost most of his vision. This impacted him greatly but he never complained. He ultimately was challenged to pursue his many interests and hobbies. He accepted each step of vision loss with grace and dignity. His family starkly recalls how he told them that he no longer prayed for his vision to be restored, but for the strength to accept the loss.

Will was the father to one daughter, Robin Jacobs Rader (Scott) and two step-children, Sidney Wise (Amber), and Angela Wise Drozdowski (Colin.) He was the fun-loving and beloved Gramps to six grandchildren. He is survived by them all.

Please join the family for a combined Celebration of Life for both Will Jacobs and his adored wife, Marlene at LaPorte Methodist Church on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 AM followed by a light luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LaPorte Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.