Norbert Jakobs

Norbert Jakobs, 91, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones. Norbert was born in Oldenburg, Germany on December 9, 1925. Norbert his parents, Samuel and Resy and brothers, Manfred and Dolf moved to Nymegen Holland in 1938. After being in hiding for nearly three years during the Nazi occupation he immigrated to the United States in 1947. Norbert worked on various farms in New York and Forreston, IL, before deciding to go off on his own. In 1950 he bought his first pasture outside of Coleta, which was the beginning of Jakobs Brothers Farms. While at a sale barn in Madison, Wisconsin, Norbert met a fellow cattle dealer by the name of Nathan (Nikko) DeLevie. Nikko invited Norbert to his home where he was introduced to his daughter, Edith DeLevie. On May 25, 1951 they were married. Shortly after, Norbert enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in the Korean War. Upon his return he joined in business with his brothers and continued farming and buying cattle until 2015. He was a member of Temple Shalom, Sterling. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Edith DeLevie Jakobs of Sterling; his children, David (Margo), Sandra, Timothy (Stefanie) and Patricia Kaplan (Alan); nine grandchildren, Nikolas (Katie), Alexander, and Bryce Jakobs, Aaron and Alexis Kaplan, Hannah Jakobs, Sasha and Dmitry Jakobs; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Emma Jakobs, as well as grandchildren of his heart, Ricky Gonzalez (Hannah), Thomas and Jackson Colucci and brother, Dolf Jakobs. Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11 AM, prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Rock River Hospice and Home, Sterling, in grateful appreciation of their compassion. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.