Jeff Gagnow passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 13, 2026, after a 13-month battle with melanoma cancer.

Jeff was more than an avid hunter and fisherman, having fished and hunted in 31 states in the United States & Canada.

Jeff was born in New London, WI on March 29, 1971, to David Gagnow and Laureen (Brensike) Gagnow. He attended Emmanul Lutheran school through 8th grade, then graduated high school in 1989 from New London. He followed in his father's footsteps as a Wisconsin Certified General Appraiser for 39 years.

Jeff was married to Kari Jacobsen on July 6, 2005, in Hot Springs Arkansas. They had four miscarried children together and the smartest dog ever, an English Setter, Scout.

Jeff was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. His strong faith guided him throughout his life and especially during his fight with cancer. He shared his faith in the Lord and weaved it into his daily life, hunting, fishing, public speaking, writing magazine articles, and social media posts.

Throughout the years, Jeff was a member of Selfless Service Outdoors, Wolf River Bass Fishing Club, Weekday Warriors Bass fishing, and Raised Hunting. He also thoroughly enjoyed being a Boat Official for Major League Fishing (MLF) tournament series for the last 4 seasons.

Jeff was preceded in death by Grandparents Harold & Dorothy Brensike and Herman & Marg Gagnow, and is survived by his wife Kari Jacobsen-Gagnow, of Malone Father David (Nancy) Gagnow, of Greenville, Mother Laureen "Reeny" Gagnow, of New London, his brother, Robin Gagnow, of Berea, OH, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, Godson, Sawyer Swinford, of New London, Father-in-law & Mother-in-law, Dennis & Cheryl Jacobsen, of Eagle Grove, IA, Brother & Sister in Law Bret & Bethany Jacobsen, nieces Lila and Kenna of Cedar Falls, IA . Best friend and fishing buddy Tony Mollica and wife Emily & their son, Asher, of Neenah, plus numerous hunting and fishing buddies too many to list, but you know who you are.

Special thanks to Eden Healing Oasis of Green Bay, Nicole Saleske, and all her nursing staff for his faith-filled cancer care.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Jeff's family at Faith Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac on Saturday, March 21st from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM

Cremation has taken place. A special informal Celebration of Life to be held in New London at a future date.

For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.