05/04/2026
Merrill R. Jacobs
September 13, 1937 — May 2, 2026
Merrill R. Jacobs, 88, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 6th, at 11:00 AM at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon, with Rev. Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, in Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until time of services on Wednesday at the church. The services will be live streamed on Martin – Grau page. Memorials can be made to Veterans Memorial Hospital or Oakland Cemetery for perpetual care both in Waukon. Martin – Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.
Merrill Rae Jacobs was born September 13, 1937, to Jake and Leola (Pals) Jacobs, their only child, in Waverly, IA. His first years were spent on a farm north east of Horton, IA. Later in his youth, the family moved to a farm north of Clarksville, IA. Merrill went to country school during his first years of schooling, then finished his education by graduating from Plainfield High School in Plainfield, IA. He enjoyed playing basketball and working with horses.
A young lady named Marlys Schroeder caught his eye in the summer of 1957, and they were married February 9, 1958. They made their first home on a farm west of Plainfield, where they started their family. Merrill farmed and Marlys took on the role of the mother to four children. They both had a love of horses and taught their children to ride. Merrill also enjoyed hitching a team of horses to a buggy or sleigh and taking his family and friends on rides. In 1969, the family moved to Shell Rock, IA, where many new friends were made. Because of their love for the scenic views of Northeast Iowa, in 1973, they moved their family to Waukon, IA, where they welcomed their 5th child in 1976. He made Waukon his final home and resting place.
While living in all three towns, Merrill maintained his connection to the local saddle club, which was where he made lifelong friends. He also, continued to regularly attend the chuck wagon races in Nashua.
When he retired from farming he enjoyed driving truck for a local farmer, collecting AC tractors and repairing them, along with taking long drives in “Blacky”, a long black Chrysler that he and Marlys had restored. He was a big a fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports, especially wrestling and Caitlin Clark. Merrill enjoyed going to the local high schools’ sports when time allowed. He was always glad to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his step-grandkids and their families. Merrill had a great sense of humor and enjoyed bringing joy into others life with a little teasing and practical jokes and he continued to playfully tease right to the very end.
Merrill was preceded in death by his wife and lifelong love Marlys; his parents; and parents in-law. He is survived by his children: Joan (Scott) Schmidt, Stuart (Theresa), Trent (Lori), Hope (Brian) Runge, and Lane (Abby); eight grandchildren: Amber, Justin, Thayer, Bren, Ryan, Danyce, Kelsey, and Renee; two step-grandchildren: Carrie and James; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Honorary casketbearers are Justin Halverson and Amber Possell. Casketbearers are Bren, Danyce, Kelsey, Ryan, and Thayer Jacobs, and Renee Runge.
