Robert "Bob" L. Jacobi

Robert L. Jacobi, 88, passed away peacefully August 27th surrounded by his family. Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry; son, Neal (Angela) Jacobi; daughter, Jan (Tom) Garry; brother-in-law, Larry (Cathy) Stigsell; daughter-in-law, Audrey Jacobi and nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Trevor and sister, Barbara. Bob grew up in the Chicago area – At an early age, he began working for his uncle at Chicago Cutlery Company and soon purchased the company. Under Bob’s guidance, the company expanded its knife conditioning service to manufacturing superior knives for the consumer market. He designed and marketed the commonly seen knife block to safely store their knives. After successfully operating Chicago Cutlery for over 35 years, he chose to move from the corporate world and explore opportunities in the Northwoods which held fond memories. In search of a new challenge, he and his family moved to Minocqua and purchased Bennett’s Sport Shop in 1982, which he renamed BJ’s Sportshop and successfully operated until selling in 2018. To so many, BJ’s became more than just a store, as Bob made it feel like a place where friends and family were always welcome to stop by and were greeted with a Bob smile and handshake and some well-earned wisdom. If you didn’t get a chance to stop in, perhaps you saw him at the age of 87 shoveling snow in the early morning hours at BJ’s. Bob was passionate with respect to his family and work. So many of us were on the receiving end of his abundant kindness and generosity and he was the definition of a true leader that carried unbreakable loyalty. His wisdom, work ethic and compassion will be remembered by all. He was a silent mentor to so many people, what a special human… Every once in a while, you meet someone who truly changes your life for the better, as so many can attest to, his name was Robert L. Jacobi (BJ) A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 11th from Noon – 3:00 PM at Norwood Pines, Minocqua. Please consider prior Covid test or mask to protect high risk guests. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following non-profit organizations are welcomed: Howard Young Foundation or the Minocqua Fire Department.

Robert "Bob" L. Jacobi

May 27, 1934 - August 27, 2022