Robert S. "Jake" Jacobsen

Robert S. "Jake" Jacobsen, 82, of Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully, with family present, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Hospital after a long illness.
Born July 7, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN, Jake was the son of Reuben S. Jacobsen and Hazel L. Jacobsen, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Washington state and graduated from Mt. Si High School in Snoqualmie in 1960, later earning his Bachelor's degree in Forestry, from the University of Washington in 1966. In the summer of 2024, Jake returned to his roots with his family, visiting the places he lived, studied, and worked-sharing memories and stories from his early life.
Jake enjoyed a long and distinguished 42-year career with Caterpillar in Peoria, IL, a role that allowed him to travel the world and form lifelong friendships. Outside of work, he was deeply committed to service and community. He volunteered for many years with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was a dedicated youth athletics coach during his children's grade school years. Jake enjoyed a two-year term serving the City of Peoria Zoning Commission. Jake was active in his neighborhood association, driven by a desire to improve his community.
Jake is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sara A. "Sally" (Kelley) Jacobsen, whom he married on April 12, 1969. He was a devoted father to Patrick (Sarah) Jacobsen of Ashburn, VA; Michael (Nikki) Jacobsen of Prospect Heights, IL; and Mary "Katie" (Louis) Hite of Washburn, IL. Jake cherished his role as grandfather to Austin, Tanner, Brett, Cassie, Tatum, Adalyn, Ava, Thomas, Jack, and Grace, and great-grandfather to Kohen. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Massey; sisters-in-law Mary (David) Walvoord and Kathy (Raphael) Lee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Jim (Mary) Kelley and Collis (Mary) Massey.
Jake will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and service.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Philomena Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Philomena Church in Peoria, IL, with Fr. Luke Spannagel celebrating. There will also be a visitation hour prior to the funeral mass from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jake will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Brimfield, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Philomena Church or St. Philomena Church.
Tributes and condolences may be made to www.wrightandsalmon.com