Paul C. Jacob

Paul C. Jacob, 67, of Manito was called home into the arms of his Savior on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Pekin Hospital after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. He was born in Manito, Illinois to Milton and Lillian (née Stadsholt)Jacob on October 19, 1957, a birthday he was proud to share with his eldest grandson, Peter.

Paul married the love of his life, Nancy Fern Bullock, on May 1, 1982, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manito. They were completely inseparable for over 42 years. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s, where he was a lifetime member and served over the years in many capacities, including as an acolyte, usher, Sunday School pianist, and Secretary on the Church Council. He also volunteered with Nancy at the local food bank, Emmanuel’s Warehouse.
Paul graduated from Forman High School in 1975 and managed local shoe stores for several years before attending college to study information technology and beginning a job as a computer programmer at Caterpillar. He proudly spent more than three decades at Caterpillar, retiring as a senior systems analyst and an invaluable expert on the company’s mainframe. He made many cherished friends during his time there.
Paul was a caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a loyal son, brother, and friend. The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius counseled: Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” Informed by his devout Christian faith, Paul lived these words every day of his life. He treated everyone he met with the same kindness and compassion no matter who they were or from where they came. He was selfless almost to a fault, always placing the needs of others ahead of his own. Paul set an extraordinary example for how to live one’s faith and to practice sacrificial love day by day. He instilled his values in his three sons, and he blessed his two grandsons with his devotion and love every moment he had with them. He loved to bake and cook and was incredibly thoughtful, always scouting out recipes that his grandsons in particular would enjoy. He also loved to read with his grandsons, who called him “Papa” and always looked forward to his visits. In every way, he was what the Scriptures refer to as a “good and faithful servant.”
Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy Jacob of Manito; sons, Christopher (Sara) Jacob of Wheaton, Aaron Jacob of Manito, and Jeremy Jacob of Mexico, Missouri; grandsons, Peter Jacob and Noah Jacob of Wheaton; sister Rhoda (Duane) Kolbus of Normal; brother Luke (Ginger) Jacob of Manito; and nephews, Seth (Lexi) Jacob of Peyton, Colorado, Joshua (Caitlin) Kolbus of Lexington, Kentucky, and Caleb (Emily) Jacob of Marseilles. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manito, with another visitation one hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Rev. Matthew Berndt will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held for family and friends in the Parish Hall of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manito.
Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is in charge of arrangements.