Eugene Joseph Jakobe

Eugene Joseph "Gene" Jakobe October 3, 1933 – November 29, 2024

Eugene Joseph "Gene" Jakobe passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 91 years old. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the IPF Foundation (ipffoundation.org) in his memory.

Gene was born on October 3, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George and Edith Jakobe. He graduated from Rockhurst High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Gene later studied under Rosina Lhevinne at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. As a young man, he performed the Grieg Piano Concerto multiple times with the Kansas City Philharmonic, and music remained a lifelong passion—he continued to play the piano for enjoyment up until his passing.

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, stationed first at Fort Lewis, Washington, and then at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. After his military service, he took over the family business, George A. Jakobe Company, a sheet metal manufacturing company founded by his father. In 1983, Gene expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by founding Amerek Industries, a company that produced wholesale marble mixing machines, which he operated in conjunction with George A. Jakobe Company.

An inventor at heart, Gene loved problem-solving and technology. In 1978, he patented a shoulder-supported stereophonic radio receiver, and in 1980, he embraced the world of computing, purchasing his first computer. His passion for innovation and technology continued throughout his life.

Gene’s personal life was filled with love and adventure. He met his devoted wife, Marilyn, in 1964 through the Rockhurst Discussion Club. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage, raising two daughters, Janet and Julie, creating many cherished memories. 

Marilyn and Gene enjoyed their earlier married years in the close-knit Lea Manor neighborhood, where they forged lasting friendships. In their retirement, they expanded their circle of friends at the Villas of St. Andrews. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed participating in monthly discussion clubs and various book clubs, fostering a lifelong love of learning. They have been members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church since 2004. 

One of Gene’s favorite pastimes was traveling with his family, particularly on vacations in the Western United States, where they explored the beauty of places like Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and especially Estes Park, Colorado. Gene loved hiking and found peace in the majestic Rocky Mountains. He took up the study of German in mid-life, which aided him on multiple trips to visit friends in Austria.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, George A. Jakobe Sr. and Edith (Maloney) Jakobe; his brother, George A. Jakobe Jr. (Alfredia Quick); his sister, Mary Jane Jakobe; and his niece, Mary Patricia Jakobe Gallegos. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn (Miller) Jakobe; daughters Janet Jakobe-Gray (Jeff) and Julie (Jakobe) Benelli (Jeff); three grandchildren, Jakob and Jordan Benelli, and Jessica Gray; sister-in-law Martha Sharkey, and nieces and nephews, George A. Jakobe III, Michael Sharkey, Tracey Harrington, and Molly Ismert.

Gene will be remembered for his intellect, wit, and sensor of humor, especially his love of puns. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep love he had for his family. He lived a life full of purpose, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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