Susan L. Jacobs, 87, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in her home, surrounded by her family and her cats. She was born May 14, 1938, in Forreston, IL, the daughter of Melvin and Florence (Geiser) Kramer. After her mother and her unborn baby died in a car accident, she was raised by her grandparents Henry and Louise Geiser with her sister and best friend, Aileen, by her side on a dairy farm on Van Brocklin Road outside of Freeport. This is where Susan found her love for animals. She attended Van Brocklin Country School and Freeport High School, graduating in 1956. She remained close with her high school friends, and they called themselves the “56 chicks”. Susan married Clifford Jacobs on June 30, 1956, at Zion Church in Freeport, IL. She was employed at Microswitch for 35 years and also was a hostess at the Wine-N-Dine in the 1980’s. Susan was a very independent woman that enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, solitaire, yardwork, taking care of friend’s animals, helping her daughter at the Garden Deli, attending Highland Community College basketball games with her son, and attending his races at Freeport Raceway. She lived 87 incredible years-strong, independent, and so full of love. She was a deeply compassionate woman who spent so much of her life helping animals in need and caring for others without ever asking for anything in return.

She is survived by her two children, Craig Jacobs of Freeport, IL, and Ann (Kerry) Rippy of Freeport, IL; granddaughter Stefanie Jacobs of Freeport, IL; great-granddaughter Leilani Short of Freeport, IL; sister, Aileen (Gary) Schreiner of Lena, IL; brother, Michael Quirk of Hinsdale, IL; her 101 year old aunt, Jean Whittaker of Santa Ana, CA; and niece and nephews, Allen (Kelly) Tonini of Manitowoc, WI, Lori Logeman of Lena, IL, and Craig (Lisa) Schreiner of Middleton, WI.

Preceding Susan in death are her maternal and paternal grandparents, parents; son-in-law, Kerry Rippy; brother, Brian Quirk; brother-in-law, Gary Schreiner, and nephew, Mark Tonini.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, February 23, 2026, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Pastor Steve Rios officiating. A visitation will be held from noon until the time of service. There will also be a visitation Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 P.M. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum. A memorial has been established in Susan’s memory.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff of FHN Mercy Health Hospice for their exceptional care. They would also like to thank the Busser family including Jaime, Darryl, and Jessica and Joely Christiansen for all of their support for Susan.