Mike Jacobs

Michael Joseph Jacobs was born on September 7th, 1971, and passed away on November 7th, 2024 at his home at the age of 53. Mike had increasingly struggled with some chronic health issues over the last number of years. The family is comforted knowing that his beloved dad, along with Jesus, was waiting to receive him into his heavenly home. They were the best of buddies and Mike was still deeply grieving the loss of his dad, even six years after his passing. Mike’s mother, Bonnie, was always the loving and stabilizing force within the family. Even though Mike always knew that he was adopted, when offered opportunities to reach out to his birth family, Mike was adamant that he already had his family and needed nothing more! 

As a child, Mike was fearless! He was always very active and ever-ready to try new things. He walked at ten months, and was nearly running at 11!!! He tried, and was encouraged, to engage in countless sports - soccer, little league, baseball, dirt bike racing, snow- and waterskiing, trick skiing, ice hockey, both bow & gun hunting. The closets grew in size, exponentially, with all the best equipment and supplies. He also was involved in Cub, Boy scouts & Indian Guides, always the first in line to sign up for the trips and events that accompanied them. 

Ultimately, though, fishing became his passion. He caught his first legal musky at age 8 from the dock while his Grandpa Ed was still working to get the boat in the water. Of course, it was mounted! Grandpa taught him everything he knew. In his adult years, Mike enjoyed quiet days on the Northern WI lakes with family and friends looking for his next big catch. He was so proud when he was able to purchase his dream boat! 

School was another matter, though. Given his early-age ADHD diagnosis, it was always a struggle. Mike was always known as the class clown and seemed to always be in “trouble!” 

From the time he was a toddler, Mike was very mechanically-inclined. He eventually found his niche in the trades, specifically HVAC. He had an outstanding work ethic and took pride in a job well done and helping to mentor younger guys starting out. 

Mike had a heart of gold and always seemed to gravitate toward those with special needs and the marginalized. From taking the neighborhood kids fishing at Lily Lake or generously sharing his time and talents to his family and friends, Mike would always be the first to take the shirt off his back. He had his demons as well, leaving him often feeling, in his words, ‘belittled.’ With his low self-image, he reacted at times with anger, resentment and alcohol misuse. 

Mike is survived by his mother, Bonnie, his sisters, Julie (Jay) Boettge, Mary (Dave) VanderSteeg and Karyn (Mark) Dart, along with his seven nephews - Daniel & Robert Livingston, Andrew & Evan VanderSteeg, Jacob, godson Michael & Shaun Dart - along with step-niece Ashley Dart-Tanner. He is also survived by his godparents Marjorie & Paul Noel, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dick, his infant brother, Joseph, his grandparents, aunt Mary and uncles John and Paul.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Sunday, November 17, from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm. Deacon Kevin DeCleene will officiate.

The family would like to thank the Green Bay Police department, Brown County Sheriff’s department and Cotter Funeral Home for their outstanding support and service. A special thank you to Stephanie & James Beaupre, along with Pete Ladwig and his other close friends at Ideal Air for their compassionate support and love over the years. 

Finally, it is Bonnie’s fervent wish that her son’s untimely death may serve a worthwhile purpose in bringing attention to those in our community who may feel as he did. She hopes that it will be an impetus for change, compassion, and the opportunity to follow in the words she holds dear… love all people, always, in all ways…

A memorial fund has been established in Mike’s name.