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BORN
1990
DIED
2019
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Jacob Stracka Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce that Jacob David Stracka, one month shy of his 30th birthday, most beloved son of Niki and Dave, passed away peacefully at home on December 14th, 2019. Jacob was born in Rockford, Illinois on January 20th, 1990, spending many years there, touching many people's lives. Even though Jacob's chronic health issues interfered with his FUN, he still lived life to the fullest because his parents would not take "No he can't do that" for an answer!!! Jacob put a million miles on his wheelchair. He love, love, loved to fish!! He gambled. He floated in his pool. He traveled. He traveled to Las Vegas. He went on cruises to Jamaica, Montego Bay, and the Bahamas. He loved NASCAR and attended several Daytona 500 races. But his dream came true when he moved to Florida in 2016. He boated, he fished, he traveled some more. He we went to the Keys, flying in a private plane like a Rock Star, to Islamorada. He vacationed in Fort Myers and gambled at Hard Rock in Tampa. Jacob fought a hard battle due to all of his health conditions from day one, but he had a strength and fight within him that was unique and amazing!!!! But he got tired, and with much sadness, we lost him. Jacob is survived by his loving family. His parents, Niki and Dave, his service dog, Rebel and he is predeceased by his beloved dog MJ. He is survived by his beloved maternal grandparents, Hazel and Sal Armato and predeceased by his paternal grandparents Bob and Diane Stracka. He is survived by Uncle Mike, Aunt Christy and cousin Nico and Aunt Kris and Aunts Lisa, Marci, Lynn, and Beth, and several other cousins. Special thanks and love to Dr. Patricia Panzica and Dr. Bharati Roy for giving such wonderful care and love to Jacob and never giving him an expiration date!!! And special thanks and love to all of his nurses, especially Jeannie Hoppe and her daughter, Claire, Chrissy Austin, and Jean Blascoe. And a special shout out to the very special man, Judge John Truitt, that when the state said "No", he made the state say "Yes", Jacob will forever be thankful for you! You were a caring son, friend, confidant, and will forever be our hero. Love, Everybody. Services will be held privately for the family in Florida. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Stracka
Sponsored by Harden-Pauli Funeral Home.
Julie Rebecca
December 11, 2020
David & Nikki-
Your Angel, Jacob is in God’s loving arms & forever in your hearts. I remember him, fondly & his spirit is with you, always. God bless you, both. What a beautiful earthly life you gave him & now it’s Jacob’s time to watch over, you.
Lots of love and peace.
Kristin Andrews
January 1, 2020
Niki and Dave I am so sorry to hear about Jakey. I am truly grateful for the time I was able to spend with him over the past few years. He was a wonderful man, and an absolute blessing in everyones life.
Susan Nicholas
December 29, 2019
Dear Niki and Dave,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Jake was my first home health case! Those early years he kept me on my toes. Challenging me and then smiling at me.
His Smile would brighten everyone's day! Especially mine!
I enjoyed being in your home and teaming with you to give him good care and giving him a full life. I was blessed my path crossed with yours.
I would see Grandma and Grandpa in Rockford and get updates . I was always so happy to hear he had such a full life and all about his adventures!
So glad he got to live in FL and be close to MICKEY!
I thought all of you often. I giggle when I think of the first day I met you and Jake.. And I did return to put love into caring for him.
I know this will be a difficult time for you and your family. You are on my thoughts and prayers. May all the memories give you peace. He was so lucky to have such loving parents. A very special son and friend to all!
Deepest Sympathy and love, Sue
Judy Bellone
December 21, 2019
,Niki and Dave, I am so sorry to hear about Jake. I have thought about him often over the years. I loved taking care of him. You gave him a wonderful life. My prayers are with you as you deal with his loss.
Love Judy Bellone
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Patricia Panzica MD
December 20, 2019
Niki and Dave--I was so sorry to hear about Jacob. I will always have warm memories of him.
Jacob knew how to enjoy life. I will always remember him riding to the office in the side car of a motorcycle and the pictures of him in the NASCAR racing car with his hero. I know this will leave a big hole in your hearts. You will alwys be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Dr Pat
Vitina Graceffa
December 19, 2019
Dave & Nikki, I have many fond memories of Jake and spending time at your house. Your care and parenting was beyond exceptional toward Jake. He is so loved and will be greatly missed by many. My sympathies and love.
December 19, 2019
Niki and Dave, We are so sorry to hear about Jakes passing. We remember going to s fundraiser for him when he was very small. We think it was at Rockford Gymnastics Academy and it was called Jump for Jake. How wonderful he was able to experience all that he did. God Bless you and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and Karen Hemmens
Tina Messina
December 18, 2019
It's with much sympathy finding Jake had passed. We are soooo happy he's now in Paradise. No part of this Earth can compare with the happiness and beauty he now is experiencing in heaven. As parents you will be getting little parts of heaven and Grace's as a gift from Jake. Thinking of you and your family. Love and prayers . Tina and Phil Messina
Carol P Dr. Panzica's nurse
December 18, 2019
Niki and Dave,
I am so sorry to read about Jake. You both never stopped fighting for him and made sure that he lived a great life.Know that you have a very special angel watching over you and always keep those wonderful memories close to your heart. It was a great privilege to watch him grow up and be a part of his life.
Julie Rebecca
December 17, 2019
Niki & Dave-what a beautiful life you had with Jake.
I recall Matt & Haley celebrating Jake's 3rd or 4th Bday. Now Matt & him are together in heaven. Jake's spirit and joy for life will continue within you both.
I am so very sorry for your pain-please know you've been in my thoughts & prayers. God bless you, both.
Roger and Becky Lichty
December 17, 2019
Nikki and Dave, we were saddened to read about Jake! We are so sorry ! We were always amazed at how active you kept Jake, especially motorcycling! We were honored to be a part of Jake's life. We send our deepest condolences.
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