Jake Marchant

1939 - 2025

Jake Marchant of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born in Green Bay on August 15, 1939, to Harry and Agnes (Van Egeren) Marchant.

Jake graduated from Catholic Central (Premontre / Notre Dame Academy) in 1957 and joined the Army after graduation, where he became a skilled machinist. He married Mary Ann "Mare" Nys in 1960. After his service, he worked for Paper Converting, where he met Bob Shade and went to work for him at Shade Information Systems. Together, they became premier manufacturers of carbonless forms. Jake worked his way through the ranks, closing his career at Shade as VP of Manufacturing. When the company was sold in 1989, Jake retired.

He quickly became bored, so he and Mare bought Svoboda Industries in Kewaunee, where Jake could turn his woodworking hobby into a full-time business. While Jake ran the plant-making grandfather clocks along with a wide variety of other wooden products-Mare ran the gift shop. They sold the business several years later with plans to enjoy retirement. Jake again became antsy, so he took a part-time job as a biomedical technician for the Green Bay Eye Clinic. It allowed him to continue tinkering with things while staying out of his wife's hair.

Shortly after the COVID pandemic began, Jake's health started to decline. Mare was suffering from macular degeneration, so their daughters were concerned about them continuing to live on their own. CJ and Brenda bought a house together in Madison in 2021 and convinced Jake and Mare to move in with them after Jake finally retired for good at age 80. The house was big enough that the "oldies" had their own apartment-like space while still living under the same roof as the girls. With CJ being a nurse, she was able to take care of many of their medical needs, for which the family was eternally grateful.

Jake is survived by his wife, Mare (Nys); three daughters, Brenda Ray, Lori Bell Ferin (Mark), and CJ; four grandchildren, Nate (Abby) Ray, Emma Ray (Austin) Major, Maddie Bell, and Jake Bell; and great-grandchildren Ellie and Beckham Ray, and soon-to-be Nora Major. He is also survived by sisters Jackie Malcore and Elaine Lambert.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael, as well as his beloved dogs, Pepper, Maggie, and Miss Willie.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Agrace Hospice Care -particularly nurse Aimee and CNA Elizabeth (Lizzy) - who not only provided care to Jake but also friendship and compassion to Mare, CJ, and Brenda.

For memorial contributions, please consider donating to your local food bank or animal shelter.

A celebration of life for Jake will be held at a later date.