Freeport – Richard William Jacobs, 84 of Freeport died on November 28, 2022 at Pearl Pavilion Nursing Facility in Freeport.  He was born on April 7, 1938 to the late Fred and Matilda (Haring) Jacobs.  He married Maria Neubauer on July 4, 1959.  They were married for 58 years prior to her passing.

Richard was in the US Army from 1955-1958 as a SP2 for the Army Corps of Engineers.  Richard enlisted in the United States Army and went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.  He attended construction engineering school and then was stationed in West Germany near the Fulda Gap/Bad-Kissingen area.  He performed duties that rebuilt the roadway infrastructure of West Germany, US Military bases and other facilities to support the NATO alliance operations.  He achieved the Enlisted rank of Specialist 2 (SP2) E5 during his tour of Germany.  While stationed in Germany, Richard met his wife, Maria Neubauer. After being honorably discharged he returned home to the Freeport, Il area.

After returning from Germany, Richard married Maria Neubauer on the 4 ^th of July in 1959.  He worked as a Union (IUOE) Local 150 operating engineer member for several decades for companies such as Rockford Blacktop, Rein Schultz and Dahl to name a few; Building and repairing the Tri-State area highways, local roads and bridges.  He retired in 1997.  He enjoyed restoring and repairing antique cars, trucks, farm tractors and other mechanical items.  Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his Sons, Michael (Kimberly) R. Jacobs of Sylva, NC and Carl (Shelly) Pahnke of Freeport.  Brothers, Paul (Shirley) F. Jacobs of Freeport and James K. Jacobs of Shannon. Nieces Susan (Bruce) Anderson of Poth, TX; Lori Montana of Phoenix, AZ and Roberta (Robert) Beller of Hendersonville, NC.  Nephews, Steve (Jody) Jacobs of Freeport, Jay (Clarissa) Daniels of Gurly, AL; Jon Daniels of Freeport and Jim Bohnaker of Leesburg, VA.  Grandchildren, Christopher R. Rubidoux of Glendora, CA, Trevor J., Jacobs of Lewisville, TX, Kolin M. Jacobs of Colony, TX, Sadie M. Jacobs of Tokyo Japan, CPL USMC Payton C. Anton of Camp Pendleton, CA, Maj USAF Christopher A. Marti of Enid, OK and Stephanie N. Wells of Sherwood, WI.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Fred and Matilda S. Jacobs; His wife, Maria; Sister, Dorothy M. Daniels; Brother, Wilmer C. Bohnaker; Niece Judy (Daniels) Jacobs; Nephews, Wayne "Joe" Daniels and Bill Bohnaker.

A memorial service will be conducted on December 14 ^th at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport at 12pm. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com.