Stanley F. Jakubowski

Stanley Frank Jakubowski was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1938 to Frank and Regina Jakubowski. This darling baby boy began their family, and even championed an award-winning baby photo contest.  And so it began…..   Stanley had a full childhood in St. Paul. He and his younger brother, Ed, and sister Regina grew up on Van Buren Avenue. He had a newspaper bike route as his first job, which he took very seriously. This paved the way for his strong work ethic throughout life. He entered the Marine Corps right after graduating from Wilson High School in 1956. He was assigned for two years overseas. He stood very proudly as a Marine throughout his life. After returning home, he married JoHanna Fiecke on February 7, 1959. His strong work ethic had him attending vocational school for sheet metal in the daytime, while working nights to provide for his family, which was just beginning. Gregory was his first born in 1960. His first son. And so it began…. He and JoHanna bought an old farmhouse in rural Stillwater in 1961.  With no plumbing, heating or electricity, this offered the opportunity to make this house their home. Which they did. Construction began between school and work, while the family expanded. Daughter Pamela was their Christmas gift that year.   In 1966, son Daniel was born on their 7th wedding Anniversary. Less than two years later, the twin girls, Brenda and Rhonda arrived, completing their family unit.   The updated farmhouse and acres of land provided a wonderful childhood for the five kids. They were raised in the perfect story book fashion of living in the country… with the horses, dogs, cats, ducks and geese. Stan’s hobby of raising the ducks and geese became an integral part of his entire life. Never one to sit still, Stan continued working hard and found his release by taking up flying lessons. This would alter the rest of his life, as he became a pilot and loved to fly.   He started his own Sheet Metal company, EAC, in 1976. With the help of his then wife JoHanna, the company expanded and grew. This allowed for many opportunities, which included purchasing three airplanes over the course of time.   This came in handy as Stan was quite the avid outdoorsman.  He loved to hunt and fish. He took many flying trips, most favorably the ones to Alaska, where he fell in love with the mountains, the lakes and streams.   Always the entrepreneur, in 1978 he purchased the Iliamna Trading Company in Alaska. He flew there several times a year, while still owning and operating EAC.  The five well rounded children grew and matured, as he and JoHanna’s marriage dissolved.  On a daily basis, Stan continued to cram ten pounds of stuff into a five pound bag.  “Work hard, play hard” was his motto, and he lived that to the fullest extent. Stan’s life was forever changed when his son Danny died in a car crash in 1984. The essence of life’s fragility had never been so apparent. Thankfully, he had his new wife, Geri Lou, by his side to see him through the tragedy and to keep going.   Together, they purchased their new cabin/lodge on Gunflint Lake in the mid 80’s, which provided such a fabulous get away for the entire family. Stan now owned a float plane, which made it that much easier to get from their home on Lake Owasso to northern Minnesota. Always up for a challenge, Stan’s love of the mountains was instrumental as he and Geri moved to Colorado in the early 1990’s. This provided yet another wonderful place for family visits; the family that was ever expanding. There were his kids and step kids, their spouses, and his beloved grandchildren. He officially became “Grandpa Stan” and he loved that role.  Stan and Geri came back to Minnesota in 1998, where Stan began his new career in Real Estate. His entrepreneurial nature was ever present as he rose the ranks quickly and started his own Real Estate company in 2000, with Geri Lou by his side. They purchased a new family cabin on the Whiteface Reservoir, north of Duluth. Stan and Geri made this cabin a home to all who entered. His children especially loved the area, and the aerial photos he took of the lake and land. So much so, that two of the kids bought land together on the same lake and continue the legacy of love for Whiteface to this day. Ten years later, Stan and Geri packed up their life and moved to Florida to retire. The “work hard play hard” motto didn’t conform with the word “retired”, as Stan continued being involved in the multitude of things he held dear. He continued being a Rotarian, an Oath Keeper, a Truth Seeker, and an avid participant in Bible studies. He also started another new business, “Grandpa Stan’s All Natural” – a store of CBD, honey, and all things of goodness, which kept him busy, as he loved to be.   He was on the Board of Directors of Christian Life (which takes care of single mothers and their babies). He loved sharing his truth and offering hope. He also began officiating weddings and would release his doves at the ceremonies, which allowed him to bring his beloved birds into play. Stan never met a stranger. He loved to strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. His mind was on a constant search for knowledge and truth. He loved to research and share his findings with anyone who would listen. He was fearless and admirable.   For being 82 years young, he was of full mind and knowledge. He was brimming with life. By living his truth of his “all natural” health journey, he said he was going to live to be over 100. His body was not cooperating, though, and he needed a knee replacement to keep him going, to continue to share his love of life, his wares and his genuineness. His full life came to an unexpected halt when he contracted Covid-19 following his knee surgery. He rapidly declined, all alone in a Florida hospital, and succumbed to the evil virus on July 24, 2020. Stan was proceeded in death by his son Danny, his parents, and his sister Regina. He leaves behind his beloved wife Geri, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, Great grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.  Stan left an indelible mark on every one he met. He leaves us behind, but everything he ever taught us, each in our own measure, will stay with us forever. The world is a lesser place without his passion and his wisdom. Never to be forgotten, Stanley will be deeply missed by everyone who had the distinct honor of knowing and loving him. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29 from 3-6 PM at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N Dale Street at County Road B. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.