Esther Jacobs, 93, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and formerly of Fremont, Iowa, died Friday,
May 15, 2015, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
She was born November 5, 1921, in Mahaska County, the daughter of Harry E. and Lydia Gosselink Versteegh.
On November 1, 1941, she was united in marriage to Lewis P. Jacobs, Sr., at New
Sharon,Iowa.
Early in their marriage, Lewis was serving in the U.S. Army.
As he was overseas during World War II, Esther lived with her parents.
She would travel to visit Lewis when he was on leave.
Upon Lewis' return from the war, they bought a farm in the Spring Valley area. In 1951, they moved to their farm near Fremont; that farm remains in the family today. In addition to helping Lewis on the farm, Esther also cared for her children, home, and large garden. Esther enjoyed being a part of her neighborhood club, gardening, and in later years bowling. The two of them also enjoyed taking day trips around Iowa. Lewis died June 26, 2009.
She was a member of Gateway Church of the Nazarene. She and Lewis had also been long-time active members of the Hedrick Presbyterian Church when they lived near Fremont.
Her family includes her four children and their spouses, Lewis and Arlaine "Rita" Jacobs of Ottumwa, Iowa, Robert and Sonya Jacobs of Springfield, Illinois, Pat and John Smith of Mesa, Arizona, and Linda and Mike Bruxvoort of Oskaloosa; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother and his wife, Paul and Edna Versteegh of Fremont; a sister and her husband, Vivian and Russell Hasty of Louisville, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Esther was also preceded in death by two sisters, Madge Versteegh and Gladys Wolfe.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, with Reverend Virgil Peck officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Monday after 12:00 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be at the funeral chapel Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 to greet friends and relatives.
Lewis P. Jacobs Sr., 92, of rural Fremont, died Friday morning, June 26, 2009, at
the Oskaloosa Care Center, Oskaloosa.
He was born Aug. 25, 1916, at Rose Hill, the son of John and Elsie Van Rees Jacobs.
He graduated from the Rose Hill High School with the class of 1935 and had been very
active in athletics and was the catcher on the school's baseball team.
On Nov. 1, 1941, he was united in marriage to Esther Versteegh at New Sharon. He served in the United States Army during World War II. His tours of duty included the Rhineland, Central Europe and Northern France. Following his discharge he returned to Mahaska County and farmed. Together they farmed, first in the Spring Valley area, then in 1951, moved to a farm near Fremont. In 1977, his son, Lewie, began farming the family farm and took over day-to-day operations.
Early in his adult life Lewis was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Hedrick where he had served as a trustee and elder. For the past many years he has attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa. He enjoyed woodworking, animals, fishing, gardening, flowers and vegetables and music, especially playing the harmonica.
His family includes his wife, Esther Jacobs of rural Fremont; two sons and their wives, Lewis and Arlaine Jacobs of rural Ottumwa and Robert L. and Sonya Jacobs of Springfield, Ill.; two daughters and their husbands, Pat and John Smith of Mesa, Ariz., and Linda and Mike Bruxvoort of Oskaloosa; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Nellie Merrill and Elsie Boggess; and five brothers, Harry, John, Cornie, Elmer and Garrett Jacobs.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2009, in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Rev. Ralph Sprunk officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa with graveside military rites given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, D.A.V. and V.F.W.
Published in the Ottumwa Daily Courier from 6/26/2009 - 6/28/2009
Vivian grew up on a farm. Her family attended church every Sunday. Her mother, Lydia, was an excellent cook and baker. Vivian followed in her mother's footsteps. Cleanliness was important. Everything had to be "Dutch clean".
When she went to grade school she and her brother Paul would ride a pony to a small country school. The teacher was their oldest sister, Madge. She graduated high school at 17 and moved to town to attend business school.
She boarded a room and met the next door neighbour, Grace Hasty. World War II was happening and her son had enlisted in the Navy aboard the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier in the Pacific. His Father had to give consent at the recruiting office because he was so young. When Russell came home on leave his mother introduced him to Vivian. Love at first sight for both of them. He returned to the sea and she waited. They exchanged letters until he finished his tour. They had a short courtship and married on June 30th, 1946 outdoors at Vivian's family farm. They were both 19 years old.
Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother Vivian enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and games, TV soap operas needlepoint, and cross-stitch needlework, traveling, and going to church. However, family always came first.
Preceded in death by her parents, Lydia (Gosselink) and Harry Eben Versteegh siblings, Madge Versteegh, Gladys Wolff, Esther Jacobs; son in law, George Olson; grandson, Matthew Ryan Bro.
Vivian is survived by daughters, Cheryl Olson and Diane (Richard) Bro; grandchildren, Stefanie (Michael) Rountree, Eric (Devon) Olson, Melanie (Jeff) Davidson; great grandchildren, Jacob, Ilya, and Skylar Olson, Odin Rountree, Chelsea and Courtney Davidson.
Vivian will join her beloved Russell at Cave Hill Cemetery. Their souls will reunite in heaven.