Daniel Ely Jacoby was born in Battle Creek, Michigan March 18, 1943 to Dale “Jake” and Marie (Sackett) Jacoby. He died at his home July 1, 2026.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ken, infant brother Robert and nieces Sherry Jacoby and Heidi Goforth. He was married to the love of his life Sue (Hammond) Jacoby for 54 years.
Dan was a man of many talents who could build, fix, or MacGyver just about anything. He enjoyed working in his barn, riding his Honda Goldwing, taking care of his beloved horses, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by three daughters – Carmen (Andy) Hughes, Annie Russo (Evan Currie) and Danielle (Rob) Elder – who kept him up at night and gave him prematurely gray hair. His eight grandchildren, Jacob (Raylynn), Drew and Will Elder, Brayden Wright, Wyatt and Waverly Russo, Jack and Jase Hughes, will miss his presence and support at all their activities. Dan loved joking and bantering with his sisters-in-law Harriet Olaynick and Carolyn Hammond. He is also survived by nephew Mike Jacoby and his long-time Eaton Rapids buddy Ron Verhelle. Dan’s loyal Golden Retrievers Jake and Bobby will especially miss his attention and affection.
A 1961 graduate of Reading High School, Dan earned his BA from Olivet College in 1973. He served his country in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army from 1961-64 and always kept in touch with his Airborne buddy Denny Krieger of Sawyer, MI. Dan was a proud member of the Montgomery and Reading American Legions.
Dan retired in 2000 as a probation/parole officer in the Hillsdale County Circuit Court. After retirement, he and Sue loved to travel, often taking road trips with their best friends Carolyn and Gene Parker. Dan could be found at Ray’s every morning for breakfast catching up on the latest news with his son-in-law Rob, good friend Ron Schultz, his Ray’s coffee buddies and his girls, Melinda and Deb.
In his earlier years, Dan loved playing fast-pitch softball, hunting, farming, and watching Carmen, Annie and Danielle play sports. Except for volleyball……he really didn’t enjoy watching volleyball. He never missed a game and the girls never missed a ride home lecture about what they should’ve done differently during the game. We will miss so many things about him, but most of all the way he took care of all of us regardless of the situation or time of day. He was one of a kind.
A private family graveside service is planned with Reading United Methodist Pastor Penny Nunn officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Reading.
Memorials may be sent to the Dan Jacoby RHS Trades Scholarship Fund (for students entering the trades), Century Bank & Trust, 108 North Main Street, Reading, MI 49274.
To send condolences, visit eaglefuneralhomes.com
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