Tributes

Duane Denver Jacobs, 69, of Valparaiso Indiana, passed away at his home on April 22, 2023 after a battle with ALS. Duane was born on July 23, 1953 to Ralph & Roberta Jacobs in Chicago Heights IL. Duane grew up in Milford Ohio, and graduated from Milford High School in 1971. He went on to study at Midwestern Baptist Bible College in Pontiac Michigan where he met his sweetheart Judy Connor, they were married in July of 1973. Duane played football in college, and graduated in 1976 with a degree in Pastoral Theology. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1976. He served as an assistant pastor at Center Road Baptist Church and principal of Center Road Christian Academy school in Buffalo New York from 1976 to 1980. Duane moved his family to Indiana to be raised near relatives and to attend First Baptist Church of Hammond. Duane was a faithful member of the church serving on the deacon board, in the choir, and as a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years. Duane worked in various steel mills in the Chicago area for 30 years, and most recently worked in the IT department at Communications Test Design Inc. Duane was always a hard worker and instilled those values in his four kids. He loved spending time with his kids, their spouses, and five grandkids who lovingly called him Granddad. Duane was always known for lending a helping hand to family, friends, at church, and being a jack of all trades. Duane loved to paint, and was an avid golfer in his spare time. Duane was preceded in death by his Mother, Roberta Fox, nee Shiveley, his Father, Ralph Jacobs, his brother Dennis Jacobs, his sister’s in law, Kay Jacobs, Suzanne Connor, & Mary Connor. Duane is survived by his wife, Judy Jacobs, nee Connor, his four kids, Elizabeth (Daniel) Haberle, Jill (Chris) Calder, Rusty (Nichole) Jacobs, and Nathan Jacobs. His five grand kids, Severo, Lauren, Posey, Rayden, and Robbie. His brothers Donald (Sharon) Jacobs, and Daryl Jacobs. His sister in law, Pat Jacobs. His brother’s in law, Dave (Kathy) Connor, John Connor, Mark Connor, Jim (Susan) Connor, Joel (Ruthie) Connor. His Aunt, Janet Hess, his uncle David (Janice) Shiveley, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Visitation with the family will be held at Memory Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 6305 W Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point IN, 46307, on Friday April 28th from 3pm to 7pm. The funeral will be Saturday April 29th at 11am at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow at Living Hope Church in Merrillville Indiana.

Tributes

Duane Denver Jacobs Sr.

July 23, 1953 - April 22, 2023