Stephen L. "Jake" Jacobson, 53, of Machesney Park, Ill, died Tuesday, August 26, 2008 in his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 19, 1954 in Harvard, Ill., the son of John and Lois (Higgs) Jacobson. He and his siblings were raised by three sets of foster parents, Vera and Clyde Postlewaite, Emma and Clyde Mays and Peggy Trueblood. Jake has resided in Machesney Park for the past 2-1/2 years, coming here from Wisconsin. He was married to Roberta J. Thompson in Belvidere on June 9, 1979. He was employed as a factory worker for 13-1/2 years; then he was a farmer and worked as a reserve sheriff for Monroe County, Wisconsin. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Norwalk and Union Center, Wisc. Fire Departments. He was a member of Faith Center. He participated in Bible Studies at the home of Pam Harding and with the Mighty X men and women. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and operating his C.B. radio. "Jake" was known by his handle "Rubber Arms". He is a 1974 graduate of Belvidere High School. He is survived by his six children, Ardella Niedfeldt, of Illinois; and Franciene Sugden, Stephanie Jacobson, Avery Jacobson, Ricky Jacobson, and Farron Jacobson, all of Wisconsin; six grandchildren; two sisters, Clariene (Russell, Jr.) Kindberg, Machesney Park, Ill.; Charlotte (Mike) Wright, LaCrosse, Wis.; a brother, Charles Jacobson, Arkansas; three foster sisters, Wendy (Howard) Pearson, Kathy (Dave) Whitaker and Dawn (Hermie) Legaspi; two foster brothers, Tim and Mike Trueblood; two sister-in-laws, Becky (Mike) Soldberg, Patty (Dale) Short; and two brother-in-laws, Peter (Lori) Thompson and Mike Thompson. Several nieces, nephews and cousins. "Jake" was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2004; a foster brother, Pat Trueblood; Mother-in-law, Genevieve Reko; Step-Father-in-law, Bill Reko; a Brother-in-law, Robert Sabedna; a niece, Mary and two nephews, and Martin and Jonas. Steve and his family would like to extend a special thank you to Transistions Hospice, volunteers, Bonnie and Heather, to his caregivers, Bonnie, Robin and Vergie-we couldn't have done it without you; and to Steve's best friend Rodney Linder. To my brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Barb Stanek, Thank you for caring for my children as your own.

Memorials to Russ and Clariene Kindberg, 1314 VanStone Dr., Machesney Park, Ill. 61115.