Edward L. Jacobs

Dr. Edward L. Jacobs, 86, longtime Marshalltown family physician, died early Saturday morning, November 21st at the MMSC. His death came peacefully at 5:00 a.m. with his family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25th, at the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown with Rev. Dale Batcheler officiating. Immediately following, but prior to burial, there will be a luncheon with the family at the church. He will be laid to rest in the Conrad Cemetery with full military honors by the VFW Harry C. Harter Post #839 in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Heifer International. P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203-8058 a memorial that commits care of the earth and re-establishing reforestation, livestock and training to third-world countries. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Dr. Jacobs and his family. Ph 641-844-1234. Born on July 16th, 1923, in Sioux City, Iowa, he was one of four sons born to Edward Marion and Elvira Virginia (Zetterquist) Jacobs. He graduated from high school and Morningside College in Sioux City to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. He was part of the V-12 program of the US Navy in Dubuque and later Great Lakes in Waukegan, IL. After serving our country honorably, he returned to the University of Iowa Medical School. On a rotation as a student one night at the Mercy Hospital, he befriended a lovely nursing student by the name of Betty Cupp. Their relationship flourished, and on June 6th, 1948, they were united in marriage in her hometown of Keota, Iowa. They moved to Spokane, Washington, where Doc was an intern and later the site physician at the McNairy Dam on the Washington/Oregon border. Soon after, he was called into active duty in the Korean War in a front-line aid station. He was on the front lines and was recipient of the Purple Heart, even though in his own modesty never felt he should -he was there to save his comrades and friends. He returned to Seattle to his young family knowing very soon he wanted to be a mid-west, family physician. He and Betty returned to their home-state and to the Central Iowa area where his uncle, Carl Jacobs owned the Jacobs Oil Company next to the old YMCA on Church Street in Marshalltown. They made their home in Conrad for 9 years as the local doctor, often times taking his wife and sons on house-calls so they could spend time together. When word of a doctors retirement in Marshalltown came, he took his place, and was partnered with Dr. Wessels. When Dr. Wessels and the other partners began specialized care, Dr. Jacobs worked alone for some years until being blessed with contemporaries that joined him- those were Dr. Burke, Dr. Van Gundy and then Dr. Miriovski. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Marshalltown Family Physicians Building on East Linn Street and retired well-deserving in 1991 after a successful career. Betty often stated that Doc was the same in practice as he was at home- what you saw is what you got. In retirement, he enjoyed his memberships since that was something he often never was able to do in practice. Sometimes, simply reading the paper, watching TV, woodworking and visiting with friends were other things. He will be fondly remembered for his love of his family and profession, telling a funny joke and being a humble and modest gentleman. Dr. Jacobs was a member of the Marshalltown Noon Lions Club, YMCA Rusty Hinges, the AMA, Iowa Medical Society, Marshall County Medical Society, Ducks Unlimited, First United Methodist Church and recently received the Unsung Hero lifetime achievement award from the Marshalltown Rotary Club. Left to cherish his memory are Betty, his loving wife of 61 years, three sons: Douglas Jacobs of Plano, TX and his family: Carrie (Robert) Hamlin and Andrew (Trish) Jacobs and their children Drew and Linden; Craig Jacobs of Plano, TX; Thomas (Sharon) Jacobs of North Liberty, Iowa, and their family: Gino (Janel) Comito and children Sydney, Casey and Mason; Chad Jacobs and children Carliey and Isabella; Melissa Campbell and son Shay and Sashya Clark and daughter Savanah, his brother Carl Marion (Dona) Jacobs of Melbourne, FL, sister-in-law Helene Jacobs of Hamden, Maine, nieces, nephews, Bettys family and a host of friends. In death, he was rejoined with his parents, infant brother Donald and brother Leo Glen Jacobs.