Name: Visitation for Donald E. Jacobs
Start: 2014-03-04T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home

Jacobs, Donald E. Don Jacobs, of Waukesha, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014, at the Masonic Center for Health & Rehab in Dousman, at the age of 87 years. Don was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 4, 1927 the son of William and Helen (Steckman) Jacobs. He was a 1945 graduate of Madison East High School. Don served his country in the Merchant Marines in 1945. On August 26, 1950 in Madison, Wisconsin, Don was united in marriage to Jeanne Valtierra. The family moved to Waukesha in 1969 where he established the Don Jacobs Buick Dealership. He continued to acquire several more franchises until his retirement in the early 2000's, with the remaining franchise being Don Jacobs Toyota of Milwaukee. He received numerous dealership awards through the years and in 1999 received the Wisconsin Time Dealer of the Year Award. Don had been a very active member at Merrill Hills Country Club where he enjoyed golfing. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, ADAMM and WATDA. He and Jeanne enjoyed traveling especially to Door County and spending their winters at their second home in Boynton Beach, Florida. Surviving is his loving wife, Jeanne, children, Patty Jacobs-Valtierra of Madison, Karen (Tom) McHugh of Waukesha, David Jacobs of Oconomowoc, WI and Steve (Angela) Jacobs of New Berlin, WI; four grandchildren, Emily A. and Rebecca L McHugh and Molly V. and Max R. Jacobs. Also surviving is one brother, Walter Jacobs of Illinois. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Donny Jacobs, two brothers, William and Thomas and by two sisters, Georgene and Gloria. The visitation for Don Jacobs will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. until the 6:00 p.m. funeral service at Cesarz, Charapata, and Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188. The Committal Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning March 5, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, S22 W22890 E. Broadway, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186. (Please meet at the cemetery chapel). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Don may be given to the American Diabetes Association of Wisconsin, 375 Bishops Way, Suite 220, Brookfield, Wisconsin, 53005.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Mar. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Jacobs

Sponsored by Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home.

7 Entries

Gary Gaertner

July 25, 2014

I have many fond memories of Don during the years I worked in the dealership. He treated us all like family. And he remembered me even 20 years later when I came back to work there. That's one of my favorite 'Don stories' As a young high school part-time employee, I made the mistake of addressing him as "Don" one day. In his gruff voice he reprimanded me sharply "That's Mr. Jacobs to you!" I never made that mistake again! And that lessen stuck with me. Years later, when my life circumstances required a career change, David was gracious enough to offer me my first sales position. I was so glad to be back! It felt just like home. Now 20 years older and wearing a shirt and tie instead of lot attendant attire, I was looking forward to seeing Mr. Jacobs to thank him for the opportunity to work there again. When we later met , I started to say how glad I was to be back: "Mr. Jacobs.." was as far as I got. He gave me the biggest smile, put his arm around my shoulders and said: "You can call me Don now"

March 7, 2014

Sincere sympathy Jeanne and family.
betty waddell leiser-fabulous class of 1945!

Chryste Madsen

March 5, 2014

It was my privilege to work with Don through my role in the automotive industry and my employment at WATDA and he was truly a gentleman and a great asset to our industry, as are his sons, who carry on his legacy. My condolences to the entire Jacobs family.

MIKE VELLA

March 5, 2014

I HAVE BOUGHT A CAR FROM YOUR DEALER SHIP FROM TOM KEIFER,I AM GLAD TO SAY IT IS STILL GOING.I WOULDNT HESITATE TO BUY ANOTHER ONE.EXTREMELLY SADENED TO HEAR OF PASSING.WE HAVE LOST A VERY NICE MAN.

Jeneene H. Safer

March 3, 2014

Don was a gentleman & very talented salesman.
I hosted his car shows & golf outings for several years & he made them a great professional success as well as fun for all.
He was a loyal family man & astute business figure who will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

March 3, 2014

I would like to add,there is a truism that "behind every successful man there is a woman", in dons' case, nothing could be more true, jeans' calm and warm demeaner was a wonderful counterpoint to dons' personality. this, no doubt, was a great help in the business, and social life of the Jacobs family. jean, a remarkable woman in her own right, played a key role in all of their successes, god bless you jean, and remember all of the wonderful memories you shared with don. don halverson

don halverson

March 3, 2014

a dynamic personality who worked very hard, and smart, on the road to a very successful career, also, a wonderful family man, a pleasure to have known, and worked with you don, rip.

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