Casper Jacobs, 85

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 14, 2009

Casper “Cap” Melvin Jacobs, 85, of Albert Lea, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Albert Lea Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea with the Rev. Jim Berning and Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will take place in St. Theodore’s Cemetery following the services. Military honors will be accorded. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Home.
Cap was born on Sept. 30 1924, in Wells to John and Catherine (Weaver) Jacobs. In 1937, his family moved to Albert Lea. At the age of 16, he started working for Wilson and Co. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on USS LST 475 in the Pacific Theatre. In 1946, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class.
On Dec. 28, 1946, he was united in marriage to Thelma “Reedie” VanRiper. The couple made their home in the Albert Lea area. He retired from Wilson and Co. in 1986.
Cap was a lifetime member of the local VFW, member of the American Legion and Moose Club and the Legion of Moose. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting with his son, John, camping and most of all spending time with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a “Dad” to many more than his own children.
He is survived by his wife, Reedie; children: Pat Sorenson, John (Carol) Jacobs and Jo Johnson; grandchildren: Kelly (Mike) Feuerhak, Cory Johnson and special friend Nickie Whelan, Scott (Heather) Johnson; great-grandchildren: Tyler Feuerhak, Trevor Feuerhak, Kori Johnson, Jacob Garrison and one on the way; brother George (Dode) Jacobs; brothers and sisters-in-law: Phyllis Jacobs, Warren (Elegene) VanRiper, Beverly Carr, John (Irene) VanRiper, Pat (Bob) Fjelbraten and Joan (Tenny) Loverink; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Catherine Jacobs; son, Rick M. Jacobs; grandson, Eric J. Jacobs; sons-in-law, Dave Johnson and Dave Sorenson; in-laws Gladys and Ernie Heilman; brothers, Mike Jacobs and John Jacobs; sister, Lucille Travnick; brothers and sisters-in-law: Art Travnick, Nadine Jacobs, Pud VanRiper, Ruth VanRiper, Helen Wellens, Joe VanRiper, Rip VanRiper, Sis Stauch, Russell Stauch, Leo Carr, James VanRiper, Dee VanRiper, Kenneth VanRiper and Wilda VanRiper.
Cap was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by his loving wife and family.