Obit: Jacobi, Robert E. (1939? - 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Jacobi, Hederer, Herman, Dvorak, Venzke, Whipple, Pupp

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 2 Jul 2014

Jacobi, Robert E. (29 DEC 1939? - JUN 2014)

Robert "Bob" Edward Jacobi of Athens passed into the Lord's hands after 83 years of earthly life.

He was born December 29, 1939 (Must be 1929 to be 83 years old) to Edwin and Clara Jacobi in Abbotsford at their family farm house.

Robert attended Rosedale School until the 8th grade. After their father passed away in 1948, he and his brother, Alvin took over the family farm. Robert married Audrey Hederer on September 1, 1951 in Colby. They lived near Stratford for three years and then bought a farm on Highway 97 near Athens on which he farmed until his retirement. Robert enjoyed the farm life and being the first in the area to try the newest farming equipment, like dual tractor tires and a bale thrower.

Robert became an inventor of alternative energies, with his first invention in 1981 being the organic digester for fuel. After retirement, he focused on wind energy by making windmills for electricity. In recent years, Robert developed solar powered heaters and indoor reflective heating panels. Robert's love for knowledge took him far in life and kept him active. He was always thinking and talking about a new idea he had.

Robert was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Athens where he enjoyed his church family. He also enjoyed going to the Jacobi family reunions and the Edgar Steam Show.

Survivors include Audrey, his wife of 62 years; two daughters, Patricia Herman, Stevens Point and Carol Dvorak, Athens; four grandchildren, Oakley Venzke, Clayton (Sarah) Venzke, Lenora (Nicholas) Whipple and David (Jo) Dvorak; one sister, Audrey Pupp, Ashland; two brothers, Vernon Jacobi, Summertown, Tenn., and Lawrence (Elaine) Jacobi, Medford.

Besides his parents, Robert was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and Harvey Jacobi, and one sister, Olive Thess.

Robert will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Jeffrey Lambrecht will officiate. Burial will be in the Colby Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.