John E. Jakobi

John E. Jakobi, 66, of Big Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born April 29, 1959 in Port Washington, Wisconsin, son of the late Harry and Patricia Jakobi. John was preceded in death by his brother Charles Jakobi and brother-in-law Phillip Bialk. 

John is survived by his wife Denise, cherished daughter Holly and boyfriend Jeremy Vaassen, cherished daughter Hannah; his beloved twin sister Jodi Anderson and brother-in-law James Anderson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Susan and Chris Neitzel, Carol and Greg Igowski, Marie Wiese, as well as 3 nephews, 7 nieces, and favorite Granddog Minnie.

John leaves behind many dear childhood and life-long friends and hunting brothers.

John had extensive careers both as a truck driver for 16 years at Fairway Transit in Pewaukee, Wisconsin as well as 26+ years as a HVAC installer for Donovan and Jorgenson in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

John was a member of the Lake Beulah Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club as well as their club treasurer for 20 years, a past member of Donovan and Jorgenson’s Board of Directors, was a prior Wisconsin hunters’ safety instructor, and Wisconsin Snowmobile Alliance safety instructor, a member of the Ojibwa Bowhunter’s Archery Club in New Berlin, and a member of the NRA.

John was extremely dedicated in his work and was an inspiration to ‘the younger guys’ in the HVAC field. He whistled on his way to work in the morning and whistled at the end of the day, after a job well done.

John loved the outdoors and was extremely passionate about teaching others to respect the land, the hunt, wildlife, and the snowmobile trails. As a young boy, John was taught hunting, fishing and farming skills by his mentor and dear Uncle Roger Liebzeit (“Big Rog”) which continued throughout his adult life. John carried that excitement, enthusiasm, and love of rifle and bowhunting bear, deer, turkey and fishing to anyone who was willing to learn.

John was a life-long NASCAR fan, a baseball pitcher and football player in high school and also loved the Brewers. He was known as “Coach Jakobi” by his family. PS: We think this is the year the Crew might bring home a World Series pennant.

John will always be loved and remembered in our hearts forever and deeply missed by all.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Froedtert and Horizon Hospice for the compassion and care shown to John and his family during this journey as well as the many friends and family members who were so supportive and caring. We could not have helped John across home plate without you all.

Visitation on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, with service at 5:00 PM, at Poplar Creek Church a.k.a. “Church,” 17770 West Cleveland Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of John E. Jakobi to:

United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA)

N7864 Shotwell Lane

Pittsville, WI  54466

 www.childswish.org