Edwin M. Jakusz

Edwin M. Jakusz joined his wife Luella in the arms of the Lord Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, 20 days after his 100th birthday celebration.

Eddie’s life began Oct. 5, 1914, on a farm in Mill Creek just outside of Stevens Point, Wis. Stevens Point has always been home in his heart because of his Polish heritage. His grandparents Hipolite and Augustinia Jakusz immigrated from Poland in 1873. He was born to parents Frank L. Jakusz and Susie Soik Jakusz. He was the third eldest of seven children all of whom are deceased, Celia Jakusz, Clara Jakusz Carpenter, Leonard “Murphy” Jakusz, Hubert Jakusz, Evelyn Jakusz Haase, and Joanne Jakusz Love.

When he was a young boy the family moved to Stevens Point where he attended St. Peter’s School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. His work life began at Kaminski Meat Market and Grocery Store and then Square Deal Market in Stevens Point. Here he developed his interest in meat-cutting which took him to Kroger Company in Stevens Point and then to La Crosse. In 1940 he married his love, Luella Simonds, who he met across the meat counter at the Kroger Store.

Eddie and his wife enjoyed travel and playing cards with cherished friends and family. Eddie developed an expertise in woodworking, chair caning and loved fishing with his father-in-law. Summers were spent in the north woods with family in the beautiful Three Lakes, Wis. area.

He retired at age 56 and joined his wife assisting in her dog grooming business. He also enjoyed doing field work and repairs on his son-in-law’s farm and attending events for his much loved grandchildren. His positive influence on them created never-forgotten memories and lifelong skills. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. His goal in later years was to make it to 100 years of age.

He met that goal and more. He was a kind, joyful, forgiving, understanding, and supportive Christian man. He will be loved and missed by many.

Eddie and Luella celebrated 68 years of marriage before she passed away in 2008. Together they leave two children, James Jakusz and Jane Jakusz Drogseth; son-in-law, Gregory Drogseth; grandchildren, Nathan Dethlefsen, Alex Drogseth, Emily Drogseth Klunk, and her husband, Jacob Klunk.

Many thanks to Dr. Conzemius and the care team at Gundersen Health. Thanks to his son Jim for his unselfish care of Eddie and Lue for many years.

Services at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Mary Mother of the Church, 2136 Weston St., La Crosse.

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13 5,6.