Jacob (Jake) Zwaga's Obituary
Jacob Zwaga, age 69, of Pine River, WI formerly of Racine passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 after a courageous two year battle with cancer. Jake flew to Heaven on the wings of an Eagle and the loving arms of his wife, Pat. Jacob was born in Racine on April 6, 1942, the son of the late Jacob J. and Florence (Tesolowski) Zwaga. He worked for many years at J.I. Case and in later years at Milsco. On June 30, 1984, Jacob married Patricia (Boutell) Vander Leest in Racine. He is a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Waupaca. He loved woodworking, crafts, gardening and was a helping hand to everyone. After retirement, Jacob sold Christmas trees and was a terrific salesman. He is survived by his wife: Patricia Zwaga, Pine River, WI; his children: Gerben (Carrie) Zwaga, Madison; Tina (Mike) Blackstone, Racine; Julie (Rick) Raminez, Racine and Dawn (Charles) Gritzmacher, Oak Creek, WI; his nine grandchildren: Tony, Angelo, Kelsey, Dee Jay, Jacob, Jessie, Sarah, Liz & Amanda; his five great grandchildren: Zackery, Breanna, Joey, Thomas & Anna Marie; a brother: Tom (Debbie) Zwaga, Geneva, Georgia; Sisters: Alice (William) Arneson, Clintonville, WI; Rose Ann (Jens) Moran, Racine; Sister in law: Mary Zwaga, Redding, CA and his beloved companions: Sweetie Pie & Koco Boy. Jake was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Rose Mary, a granddaughter, Melannie, his brother George, his sister Betty, a step-daughter Lory and Pat's parents, Albert & Mary Boutell.
The Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, November 29 at 11 AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Waupaca with Reverend Nigel J. Bousfield, officiating. Visitation will be on Monday evening from 4 to 8 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jacob's name.
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