Thomas Charles Jacob, 74, passed away peacefully with his wife, Catherine “Kay” by his side on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin. Tom was born on April 5, 1951, in Tomah, Wisconsin, to Alvin and Geraldine (Linenberg) Jacob.
Tom grew up to be a man of integrity and unwavering commitment to his family, community, and country. A lifelong resident of Tomah, he graduated from Tomah High School in 1969. Tom met his future wife, Kay Steidl at St. Mary’s Catholic School. On June 20th, 1970, the high school sweethearts were married, and three children were born to this union which they raised here in Tomah.
Tom’s work ethic was as steadfast as his devotion to his family. He dedicated 46 years of his life to Seven-Up Bottling Company as a truck driver/merchandiser where he worked with many family members and met lifelong friends. Alongside his civilian career, Tom served his country with honor in the Army National Guard for 22 years where he worked with supply unit of the 108th which later became the 105th. While serving with them on annual trainings, he was able to travel to South Dakota, Germany, Holland, and the usual Fort McCoy.
His interests were as varied as they were passionate. Tom enjoyed the great outdoors with activities such as running, camping, and rifle and bow hunting. He also loved to travel and was an avid collector of various items. Tom could be seen antiquing, playing a game of chess or even putting together a puzzle. Later in life, he found joy in the simple pleasures of watching movies and listening to music with Kay. He also cherished his time as an active member of the I-Dividers snowmobile club and Queen of the Apostles, formally known as St. Mary’s Church in Tomah.
He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, a love for life’s simple joys, and a strong commitment to his family. Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay; his children, Trina (Lenny) Bakken and Becky (John) Thelen; grandchildren, Darcy Parker, Brooke, Jenna, and Faith Bakken. He is also survived by his siblings, Duane (Jean) Jacob, Jerry (Missy) Jacob, Pati (Don) Pierce, Ken (Donna) Jacob, and Jim (Kris) Jacob; his mother-in-law, Marian Steidl; in-laws, Rose Beck, Alice (George) Miller, Mike (Cindy) Steidl, and Tom (Stacia) Steidl. Tom also left behind nieces, nephews, and extended family that he loved.
After 44 years Tom is reunited with his son, Troy Jacob, along with his parents; father-in-law, Math Steidl; sister-in-law, Barb Moser; brothers-in-law, Bob, Moser, Jerry Beck, and David Ritter; nieces, Amy Moser Matteson and Kim Jacob-Gilbert; and nephews, Matt Moser and Joey Gerke.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Tomah Hospice and beyond. You all know who you are. You have become like family, and we couldn’t have done these last few years without you. We are eternally grateful.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will immediately follow with military honors at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah. Family and friends are invited for a visitation at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
