Richard Jacoby

Richard Jacoby, of Redwood Falls, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2024 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, and will continue until the time of service at church. Interment will be at a later date in the Holy Name Catholic Cemetery in Vesta. Stephens Funeral Service -Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Richard Jacoby was born September 11, 1935 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Minnesota. He was the second twin born to Elmer and Ledwina (Schottenbauer) Jacoby. Richard attended public school District 15 at Clements until the 8th grade. He later graduated with the Springfield High School class of 1953. Rich farmed with his parents until entering the Army in 1955. He was trained as a missile technician, worked in supply, and served 13 months in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and then returned home and purchased his farm near Vesta. In August 4, 1962, Rich married Lorraine Schwer at St. Aloysius Church in Olivia. They lived near Clements until 1964 when they moved to the Vesta farm, where Rich built their home. In the early years, Rich worked off season jobs with Hopfenspirger-Schoffman, Vesta Lumberyard, as a carpenter, Marquardt Plumbing and Heating, and Ryer Plumbing and Heating in Granite Falls. Rich was a good steward of everything given to him. He was committed to excellence in farming, and truly loved his occupation. Rich was a trustee and faithful member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Vesta where he served as an usher, sang in the choir, and was a member of the parish council. He was a sexton of the Holy Name Catholic Cemetery. Rich was honored to receive the Bishop’s Medal of Service. Not one to sit still, Rich enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for their home and his daughter’s home. Upon retirement, Rich built another home in Redwood Falls for he and Lorraine to live in and enjoy. He was an avid reader–he read anything and everything. He was a whiz at math, an expert in welding, and made toys for his children. He could repair anything and was always brainstorming “what a guy could do” to fix something. He collaborated and drew on his wealth of experience to find the best solution to a problem or the best approach to a project. Even though he was outwardly reserved, Rich loved to joke and would lighten a situation or elicit a laugh with his quick wit. He will be remembered as a gentle and patient man who led with his actions rather than words.

Rich is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children: Brian (Betsy), Mark (Lori), and Jill; grandchildren: Regan, Lauren, and Marisa; brother George (Sylvia); sister-in-law Lorraine Jacoby; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janet and Earl Matzdorf. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Beth Ann Jacoby, and siblings: Donna Talley, James Jacoby, John Robert Jacoby, and Kathryn Moe.