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Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

Joseph Otto Jacobs, age 84, of New Holstein, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Caring Hands Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of his family. He had called Caring Hands home for nearly a year.

Joe was born on February 16, 1942, in Hilbert to the late Raymond and Veronica (Micke) Jacobs. One Friday night at Uncle Otto’s Dance Hall at Crystal Lake, Joe danced his way into the heart of a beautiful young woman who would soon become his wife. Joe married Cecilia Litz on October 10, 1964, at St. Gregory Catholic Church in St. Nazianz. Together, they raised their five children in New Holstein, where they made their home and shared almost 62 years of marriage.

Joe worked for the City of New Holstein in the Street Department and as a part-time police officer before beginning a long career with the Kohler Company, where he was employed for more than 38 years before retiring.

Joe was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Above all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He especially treasured holidays and family gatherings, when his large family could spend time together.

Joe coached baseball for many years and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved polka music and dancing, playing cards with friends and family, and cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Joe and Cecilia also enjoyed traveling together, with their trip to Germany holding a particularly special place in their hearts.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Cecilia; five children: Sharon (Gary) Sabel, Kevin (Wendy) Jacobs, Connie (Tom) Walsh, Pamela (Scott) Schneider, and Darwin (Deanna) Jacobs; 14 grandchildren: Kalvin (Maggie) Sabel, Kailey (Caius) Castro, Kolton (Gaby) Sabel, McKenna (Brett) Boettcher, Hunter (Leah) Jacobs, Tommy Walsh, Isabella Walsh, Franklin Walsh, Matthew Walsh, Gavin (Samantha) Schneider, Jaden (Dana) Schneider, Sophia Schneider, Dylan Jacobs, and Rowan Jacobs; seven great-grandchildren: Miles, Tatum, Afton, Rhett, Dax, Lorelei, and Eliza; and one brother, Ken (Deb) Jacobs. He is further survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ralph Karls, Bev Jacobs, Dorothy and Joe Prokop, and Leatrice Litz; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Roger (Darlin) Jacobs, Bob (Carol) Jacobs, Ginny (Dick) Levash, Hillard Jacobs, Rosemary Karls, Anne Marie (Pete) Luxem, and Dorothy Jacobs; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Gertrude Litz; and brother-in-law, Joseph Litz.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein. Rev. Alvan Amadi will officiate, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Pielhop Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Ave., New Holstein, on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., when morning prayers will be held at the funeral home before processing to the church.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider making a donation in Joe’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at Caring Hands for the wonderful care given to Joe during his stay, as well as to Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Joe and his family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.pielhop.com.

The family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes to honor Joe’s legacy of life.