Edith Jakobs

Edith Jakobs passed away on October 4, 2026, just weeks before her 96th birthday.

Born October 25, 1930, in Rheine, Germany. The family moved to Stadskanaal, Holland. She had a wonderful childhood until the Nazis invaded Holland and they were forced into hiding. For 2 years and 8 months she was hidden in a 15 x15 room with 12 other people. After liberation, she immigrated to the United States with her family and settled in Madison, Wisconsin.

Edith married fellow Holocaust survivor Norbert Jakobs, and the couple moved to Sterling, Illinois, where they raised their four children: David, Sandy, Tim, and Patty. Family was always at the center of Edith’s life. She was a devoted wife and mother and a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Edith had a wonderful sense of humor, a competitive spirit, and a genuine love of life. Later in life, she shared her Holocaust story with students, helping ensure that future generations would remember.

Edith is survived by her children David Jakobs (Margo), Sandra Jakobs, and Patty Kaplan (Alan), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert, and her son, Tim.

Edith lived a remarkable life marked by resilience, kindness, family, and love. Her strength and spirit will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Services will be held Wednesday 10AM at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation in Sterling. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling following the service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Temple Sholom's Holocaust Museum, in care of Nik Jakobs 21950 Ridge Road Sterling, IL 61081.