- Date Of Birth: January 10, 1925
- Date Of Death: March 14, 2016
- State: Iowa
Jake was a quiet man. One of America’s Greatest Generation. He was a jack of all trades. A man in constant motion.
He was very proud to have served his country in Germany during World War II. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, primarily History, being far more concerned with what had really happened as opposed to what might have happened.
He had an adventurous “Johnny Appleseed” spirit, always interested in what lay beyond the next hill. Whether it be traveling the United States with a sheep shearing crew, or traveling with his family throughout the world.
Always athletic and in good shape. In his younger days he loved to dance.
While travel was important and fun, he loved to be at home.
Jake was a loving husband, a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a supportive father, an attentive grandfather, and an adoring great-grandfather. He was a loyal and trusted friend.
He was very mindful these past few precious years that he was “living on borrowed time” in that he had survived war, cancer, knee replacements, assorted broken bones, surgeries and a broken neck. Conditions that many others, not so fortunate, had not survived. He often said he lived a full and blessed life, never taking his good fortune or longevity for granted.
He was a gentle man with a kind spirit. He lived and died purposefully, quietly and peacefully. Those of us who love him will miss this quiet man beyond measure.
God Speed, Good and faithful servant.
Herbert Dale (Jake) DeBok was born to Herman and Bernice (Robuck) DeBok on January 10, 1925 in Russell, Iowa. He passed away suddenly, March 14, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Jake attended Russell High School, Graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa and served as an Army Sergeant in combat in Germany during WWII. Jake married Donna Woodman on August 7, 1949. He built a home on 5 acres of land adjacent to Colyn Area south of Russell where he and Donna raised their children, Terry and Nick. They resided there until his retirement when relocating to West Lake. Jake enjoyed many hobbies, gardening, reading, and travel. He especially enjoyed time spent with his three grandsons and nine Great Grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger.
Jake is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Terry (Laurie), son Nick; Grandsons, Marc, Matthew and Andrew (Jessica); Great Grandchildren: Audrey, Ian, Eli, Christian, Jacob, Aiden, Olivia, Deidra and Kamryn; Sisters, Lucille Susic, Ellen Hawkins, Gerry Fitzgerald; Brother, Charles (Jo): In-laws, Marjorie DeBok, Tommy Woodman (Carole), Byron Voss, and many nieces and nephews.
