Jacob Lightfoot

     Jacob David Lightfoot, 88, died May 4, 2022, at Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls. He was born Oct. 23, 1933, to Jacob and Gladys (Woodford) Lightfoot in Eau Claire. He married Beverly P. Niskanen Dec. 16, 1956, who passed away almost exactly four years prior. They are together again, and their souls are happy to be reunited.  

     He adored his wife for 60-plus years and loved all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, holding many different positions. He worked as a butcher in the Air Force and in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He also worked for Presto Manufacturing when they were producing ammunition during the Vietnam war. He later worked for the Jackson County Iron Mines until it closed down.

     With the help of his wife who sewed for various companies wherever they lived, Jacob started a jacket making business. Together they grew the business into a thriving entity. Unfortunately, due to health conditions, they had to scale things back but continued to run the business in a smaller space until retiring.    

     Both had their share of physical challenges but always loved and supported each other throughout their lives. Towards the end, they were both in the same care facility. Jacob was in the nursing home while Beverly lived in the connected assisted living unit. They would meet each other for dinner every night and enjoyed each other’s company. There are no words left to describe the love they shared.  

     What makes great men and women? It is the legacy of the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren they leave behind and the benefits they bring to the world. This makes Jacob Lightfoot Sr. and Beverly Lightfoot great beyond this author’s capacity to explain. I can only hope you can see that they gave and received the kind of love that makes the world a better place.  

     Rest in peace Dad, you are with mom and united in the love you share. Until we meet again, we all say we love you and miss you, Mom included as well.  

     He is survived by his sons, Jacob Jr. (Debra), Douglas (Sue) and Timothy; four grandsons; three granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marianne Johnson.  

     Jacob is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers Jim and Gale; and his sisters, LaDonna Durst and Phyliss Janke. 

     Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton with Pastor Elden Simonson officiating. Burial with full military honors followed in Mentor Cemetery. Friends and family were invited for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. 

     The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton is assisted the family with arrangements.