Obituary: Jacobs

One day shy of his 100th birthday, Richard Albert “Dick” Jacobs, of Chenoa, passed away peacefully at 7:20 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at Fairview Haven in Fairbury, IL.

He was born on Dec. 9, 1925 at St. James Hospital, Pontiac, the second son of Theodore Albert Frank “Ted” and Blanche Maybelle Elson Jacobs. He was raised on their family farm just west of Chenoa, on Route 24, with three siblings: Robert T.  “Bob,” Shirley Ann, and Mary Kathryn. Together, they worked hard and laughed often at the antics of their beloved uncles, Howard and Earl Elson. He and Bob were inseparable, showing livestock in 4-H, motorizing anything with wheels, and inventing new ways to farm.

Dick graduated from Chenoa High School in 1943, the third in his class, and took over farming operations while his brother Bob fought in WWII.

Dick married his high school sweetheart, Wiladene Joan Hewitt, on Aug. 11, 1946 at the Presbyterian Church in Chenoa. Together, they raised five children: Stanley Richard, Nancy Jean, Debra Joan, Donald Dean, and Laura Jane. After 40 years of marriage, Wiladene passed away in 1986. Dick then married Stella Morgan in 1987, and she passed away in 2017.

Dick was a mechanically-minded inventor and fixer-of-all-things, and partnered with Bob, and then with his son Don as their grain and livestock farming operation grew. Dick farmed well into his 90s, driving the combine until age 92. He enjoyed traveling, and visited Nancy while her family served in Indonesia, his AFS daughter Maureen in Scotland, and other countries including Israel. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing at the Tiara Ballroom, and could play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” on every instrument. “Dad’s radio station” was WGCY 106.3 in Gibson City, where he listened to big band music, farm reports, and the Beatles, having served as chaperone for Debbie’s 13th birthday party to the Beatles concert in White Sox Park.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Chenoa, and later, attended Christ Community Church of Chenoa. He was a church elder and trustee, a Presbyterian Mariner, and volunteered for numerous activities at the church, including building spectacular 4th of July floats.

Survivors include his children, Dr. Nancy (Kent) Contrucci of Boise, ID, Debbie (Bruce) Johnson of Lexington, Don (Barbara) Jacobs of Chenoa, and Laurie (Lance) Sleeter of Lexington; AFS daughter, Maureen Ritchie Sutherland; nine grandchildren, Rachel (Matt) Kridner, Ryan (Krystn) Johnson, Sarah (Blake) Smith, Jonathan (Lindsey) Contrucci, Bo (Maria) Sleeter, Allison (Ben) Schmitt, Emily (Bryan Norton) Jacobs, David (Sarah) Sleeter, and Andrew (Jake Hackl) Jacobs; 14 great-grandchildren, Elly, Olivia, and Max Johnson; George, Ava, and John Kridner; Grayson, Beckham, and Marin Smith; Haddie and Hazel Sleeter; Lucy and Teddy Schmitt, and Jonah Sleeter; two sisters, Shirley Scott and Mary Inman; two sisters-in-law, Norma Eash and Marilyn Hewitt; one brother-in-law, Wayne Dameron; and numerous nieces and nephews, including David Scott of Chenoa.

Dick was also preceded in death by his son, Stanley, in 2021; brother, Bob; brothers-in-law, Norm Inman and George Scott, Lynden Hewitt and Merlin Eash; and two sisters-in-law, Mattie Jacobs and Janet Dameron.

Dick’s entire life was surrounded by family and friends, some of whom became his in-laws, as they grew up together and raised their own families side-by-side.

Dad worked hard each and every day. He provided the foundation for his five children to attend college and go out into the world and make a difference. We will always be grateful for this kind and generous man.

His visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, at Christ Community Church of Chenoa; with a funeral service at 11 a.m., also at Christ Community Church of Chenoa. Pastor Tim Huber will officiate. Burial will follow at Chenoa Township Cemetery. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Chenoa Space Age Pioneers 4-H Club, c/o Heartland Bank, Chenoa.