Ralph "Jake" Jacobsen Jr.

Ralph (Jake) G. Jacobsen, Jr. of Neenah, WI died peacefully at Valley VNA Senior Care on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with his family at his side. He was 100 years old.

Jake was born on May 27, 1925, in Chicago to Ralph and Ruth (Fowler) Jacobsen, who preceded him in death. In 1947 Jake graduated from Beloit College. He loved his four years at Beloit and his lifetime affiliation with Sigma Chi Fraternity. Upon graduation he joined International Cellucotton Products in Chicago as a salesman. He remained in field sales for seven years in many parts of the country. In 1954 he joined the sales management staff in Chicago. In 1956, ICP merged with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and the sales staff moved to Neenah, WI. At this time Jake specialized in sales training and management and various staff services. On Nov. 5, 1960, he married the love of his life, Nancy Buchanon of Appleton, who preceded him in death on March 16, 2022. He retired in 1982 after 35 years in sales and management.

Jake and Nancy had 61 years together filled with love and joy. Nancy was also his best friend. In 1965 the Lord blessed them with a daughter, Sarah, who preceded them in death in 2015. She left them with two grandsons, Michael and Matthew, and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth. He was also preceded in death by his foster daughter Lydia Bitsoi in 2017.

Jake is survived by his son-in-law Michael J. Schlafer and daughter-in-law Shelley Schlafer of Berlin, grandsons Michael S. Schlafer of Oshkosh and Matthew J. Schlafer of Berlin, granddaughter Stephanie Green of Arizona, and great-granddaughter Elizabeth.

Jake's three great loves were his faith, his family and his friends. Jake was extremely proud of being an honorary member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He also wished to sincerely thank the staff at Valley VNA Senior Care for the excellent, professional and very loving care he received.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church 528 Second St. Menasha on Tuesday October 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Matt Settle celebrating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be at St. Margaret Cemetery in Neenah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha.