Ronald Jacobus

Ronald Lee Jacobus was called home by the Lord on Saturday July 30, 2016 when injuries suffered in a fall at home proved fatal. Ron was born on December 5, 1936 in Lacrosse, WI to Blair and Marcella Jacobus. The oldest of three children, he was “big” brother to sisters, Pat and Judy. Ron’s youth was spent in the woods, ravines, lakes and rivers of Wisconsin where he found his passion for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. He was also an avid athlete playing baseball, football, and basketball. When his playing days were over, his love of sports continued as a spectator. There were few days a year one could not find Ron enjoying a Mariners or Seahawks game. On May 2, 1959, Ron married Rose Ellen Graf. In the next 57 extraordinary years, Rose and Ron built a life together of uncommon accomplishment, a love of nature and the community in which they lived. Their love produced three children, Rhonda, Robert “Bob”, and Ruth. Ron graduated from Marquette University in 1959, with a BS in Electrical Engineering and went to work for the Bendix Corporation. In 1964, having a desire to be in a vocation that provided a positive service to mankind, Ron entered Dental School at the University of Michigan. Upon graduation in 1968, Ron, Rose and the family re-located to Twisp, WA and began his dental career. After two years in Twisp, the family moved once more, this time landing in East Wenatchee, WA. In 1973, he and a partner built the Grant Road Professional Center, which he occupied until his retirement in 2000. During Ron’s 32-year career in dentistry, his attention to detail and commitment to the care of his patients made him a much sought after professional. Ron’s passions were varied, but none was greater than his commitment to the idea and practice of, service to others. His resume of service to his community includes; member of the Washington State Dental Society, appointment to the Washington State Board of Health, Washington State Dental Peer Review Committee, Past-President Washington State Pilots Association, and the Douglas County Board of Adjustment. He was a founding member of the Spirit of Wenatchee group and his tireless efforts were instrumental to the construction of the Miss Veedol. He was a member of the East Wenatchee Rotary Club for more than 30 years and served his church and faith at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, where he was instrumental in starting the Parish Council, taught high school CCD, and most recently was a valued volunteer with KC Help. Perhaps his greatest passion, after Rose and his family, was flying. He was a pilot for nearly 40 years, flying a variety of aircraft to places as close by as Glacier Peak and as far away as the Arctic Circle. Ron loved to share his love of flying with anyone and offered scenic trips to many so that they could see from the air what he knew was the best place on earth, the Wenatchee Valley. Ron is survived by his wife, Rose; children, Rhonda (Mike Ellis), Robert (Pam), and Ruth (Steve Piccirillo); his sisters, Pat Mattie, Judy (Doug Roy), and nine grandchildren: Amanda VanHook, Jennifer Towers (Rhonda and Mike), Joseph, Patrick (Chelsi), Nicholas, Tyrel, and Maria Jacobus (Robert and Pam), Ronald and Anthony Piccirillo (Ruth and Steve). A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Apostles Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at Telford’s Chapel of the Valley on Thursday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m., with viewing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Spirit of Wenatchee or Holy Apostles Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.