Mike Jacobs, age 37, Burnsville (Longtime resident of Belle Plaine)

On April 27, 2016, God took Mike's hand and walked with him through heaven's gates. There to greet him were his maternal grandparents, Ed and Edith Jarousek and paternal grandparents Earl and Alice Jacobs.

Mike faced the adversity of brain cancer with grace, dignity and a faith that never faltered. Mike loved--and was loved by--everyone he met. He lived his faith and was an inspiration to others. Mike was always the first person to help someone in need. He touched many lives and showed us how to live our lives in Christ.

Mike was born on August 23, 1978 in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He attended Newport Elementary, Woodbury Junior High, Mahtomedi High School #MHS1997 and graduated with a construction management degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato (Go Mavs!). He began his career working for Centex Homes for 10 years and was a longtime employee at US Bank and considered all of his co-workers his second family. Mike was a great athlete. He loved playing soccer, baseball, softball and football. He could often be found tailgating at Twins and Vikings games. Mike played and managed the MSU soccer club program while attending MSU and for years after graduation. He served as an assistant boys' soccer coach at North St. Paul in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Left behind to mourn his passing is he beloved wife and soul mate, Tari; parents, Judy Jacobs and Steve and Bev Jacobs; parents-in-law, Mary Marks Gibbs and John Gibbs; brother, Jeff Jacobs and wife Jenna Kirchner-Jacobs; stepbrother, Eric Soerens (Carrie); Cheryl Vogel (Dave) and sister, Heather Jacobs; sister-in-law,Tania Hale and fiancé Ryan Wolff; nieces and nephews Alliyah, Avielle and namesake Eva Mikael Jacobs, Isaac Soerens; cousins Brad, Greg, Holly, Nikki and Tony and Jen Jarousek, Jake, Hannah Spott, Jessica Saliaras, Josh Bruce, Scott and Adrienne Jacobs, Goddaughter, Ellie Jarousek; second cousins Ellie, Sophie Jarousek; Colton Jacobs, Lydia, Nadia and Taylor Saliaras aunts and uncles Russ and Sue, Bob and Paula and second mom Barb Jarousek, Pat and Ken Bruce, Ron and Linda Jacobs and Paul and Kathy Spott and countless friends and co-workers. We are all better people from knowing Mike. He will love forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Thursday, May 12, beginning at 2 p.m. at Oak Hills Church, 1570 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan. All are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall after the service to share Mike stories and memories. In observance of Brain Cancer Awareness month in May, memorials are preferred to the American Brain Tumor Association. In addition, a scholarship fund has been established at Mahtomedi High School in Mike's memory. Memorials can also be made to Oak Hills Church.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. And, not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
View an encouraging message from Pastor Chris Teien, River Rock Church, Belle Plaine, this includes a part of Mike's faith story at http://riverrock.buzzsprout.com/5456/377822
"Trusting When You Can't See Your Miracle"