Jeffery James Jakubek

Jeffrey James Jakubek, age 71, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Sophie’s Manor Assisted Living in Centuria, Wisconsin. Jeff was a native of Duluth, raised in Piedmont Heights. He later became a resident of Milltown, Wisconsin for approximately 21 years.

Jeffrey was born July 19, 1954, to parents, Samuel Simon and Margaret Ellen (Curran) Jakubek from Duluth, Minnesota. He attended Duluth Denfeld High School and went on to serve in the Air Force as a Security Specialist at age 19.

After his time in the military, Jeff moved out to southern California where he acquired his AA degree in accounting. While in California, he was gainfully employed at L & N Uniform as a truck driver for approximately 14 years. In addition, Jeff started his family with Heather Marie Kollman and the two were married for approximately 14 years, having one child together, Tiffany Marie.

He eventually moved back to the Midwest, where he began working for U.S. Bank, Duluth in Accounting. Jeff later moved to Elk River, MN where he was employed by Landmark Personnel in Staff Recruitment for 15 years. His most recent role before his retirement due to health issues, was at Polk County Government Service Center in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

One of Jeff’s passions was traveling the country either by car, motorcycle or hitchhiking as a youth. Jeff and Wendy embarked on RV’ing full time, which included management of campgrounds. They spent three years on Odell Lake, Oregon, taking care of six different campgrounds, encompassing three lakes.

Jeff embraced fishing whenever he had the opportunity to do so. Fishing trips were spent with friends and family on Lake Michigan, Island Lake, Fish Lake, Lake Superior, Lake Irvine in California, Oregon lakes, and his dad’s favorite remote location, “Butsis.” His most recent trip to Marine on St. Croix was chartered by his sister Tracey and daughter Tiffany. Crappies were the catch of the day. He enjoyed his grandchildren, relaxing by the water, canoeing, and simply loving nature.

He also took pleasure in oil painting, BBQing, his Ford trucks, hiking, fellowshipping at Living Church of God in St. Paul, Minnesota, planting vegetables in his garden and canning them. He watched old country-western movies, in addition to cheering and yelling for the Minnesota Vikings with his sisters.

Jeff was a competitive cribbage player, especially when playing against his father. He owned a cherished dog, Bucky, Siamese cats and birds in California, and while living in Milltown, a shared cat named “Kitty.”

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Simon and Margaret Ellen (Curran) Jakubek; brothers, Edward Joseph and Timothy Samuel; and his sister, Kelly Ann Jakubek.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Marie Paffel; granddaughter, Cynthia Rose-Marie Paffel; grandson, Jace Michael Jakubek; sister, Tracey Margaret (Joseph) Kayoum; niece, Katelyn Jo (Justin) Van Kruger; and special companion, Wendy Lou Roen.

Celebration of Life for Jeff will take place Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Gnesen Community Center, 6356 Howard Gnesen Road, Duluth, Minnesota 55803, with military honors.

We would like to thank The ADORAY Home and Health Hospice team out of Baldwin, Wisconsin for their loving care provided to father, brother, and grandfather, Jeffrey. Jeff we love you, and you will be greatly missed!