Mr. Howard E. "Howie" Jacques, of Green Bay, WI passed on to the green fairways in heaven on October 02, 2020 at the youthful age of 97 years.
He was the only child of Ernest and Olive (Sorensen) Jacques who are awaiting his return home in heaven. He married in 1948 to Joan Zehren, and their love has been celebrated for over 72 years with 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. As an only child, he loved large families.

Howard was a Lifetime member of St. Patrick's Parish in Green Bay. He attended St. Patrick grade school, served as treasurer on the finance committee and worked with the loved kitchen team.

Howard spent his childhood summers on the Sorensen family farm in Marinette, WI. He graduated from Green Bay West High School before entering St Norbert College. He would run from his west side home to campus to attend classes.

The world was in turmoil and he chose to enlist in the Army in December 1942. He was called to service April 1943.  Sergeant Jacques served his country in WWII from the beginning to the end as a member of Company K 335th Infantry 84th Division. His tour of duty was concerned with the Battle of the Bulge through the end of the Nuremburg Trials as a Guard whose name remains anonymous. He was a highly decorated infantry soldier Purple Heart (s), Combat Infantry Badge, American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 1944, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, 3 Overseas Service Bars.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army in 1946 Howard met his forever love Joan, on a blind date arranged by their best friends Don and Mari Jane Thompson (Fairfax, VA).  A tennis date started and ended in Love All and they flourished together in the game of life.

Howard pursued studies post war at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree.  He worked for the Department of Transportation (DOT) for 37 years retiring as Chief of Real Estate in 1986.

You may say 'my way or the highway,' but Howard said 'his way IS the highway' as I-43 and the Tower Drive Bridge would not be without his ethical pursuit of land.  He was a friend of the farmers, respected the land, and kept to his word.  He received a commendation for public service from the State DOT upon retirement.

Introduced to the game of golf by his brothers-in-law he said he could like this game and it became a great pursuit. He decided this area needed more green space, and Northbrook Country Club was founded.  As a founding member and director the family spent many hours building, clearing brush, thinning the woods, and finding the lost golf balls of others, because we certainly didn't lose any.  Thursdays were his golf day, but in honesty any day he got to play he would.  He proudly owns a "Hole-in-One" on the famed 13th hole of Northbrook, and a low score of 68. He was proud to have golfed below his age for his career.

Sunday dinners were a celebration of family time. Howard was a Barbeque Master who enjoyed his time at the grill with a Rob Roy or glass of wine in hand.  The intricacies of wine continued to be studied throughout his life. One may also think he studied the flavor profiles of cookies as well. He was secretly nicknamed the Cookie monster – he never met a cookie he didn't like.

Howard was a lifetime packer fan with season tickets passed down from his father Ernest. Attending the Ice Bowl with his father, Uncles Art and Leo was his favorite story and brought a smile to his face.

His legacy is etched in the hearts of family and friends. He leaves behind his love and wife of 72 years, Joan (Zehren) Jacques, seven children who miss him and cherish his life lessons: Daniel, Omaha, NE, Barbara, Manawa, WI, Lawrence (Kathleen) Oro Valley, AZ, Kenneth (Laurie) Green Bay, WI, Robert (Michelle L.) Cecil, WI, Michelle (Ginger) Alexandria, VA, and J. Howard (Nancy) Hobart, WI

He was the proud grandfather to: Renee (Daniel) Haas, Rochelle (Andy) VanCaster, Michel (Julie) Jacques, Joshua (Jamie) Jacques, Anthony (special friend Ashli) Jacques, Angeli (Jeff) Jacques-Thyrion, Brianna (Andy) Yanke, Rebecca Jacques, Jonathan Jacques, Ian (Leslie) Brown, Emmy Brown, SPC Alexander John (Sara) Hamilton, and Beaux Meyers. These grandchildren continue his legacy for another generation with 14 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death and awaiting his arrival are his parents, Ernest and Olive (Sorensen) Jacques, in laws Leo V. and Agnes (Loughrin) Zehren; cousins Darryl and Lois Gallenberger, Tom and Dee (Gallenberger) Pech; Sisters in-law Marybeth Shelendich, Virginia Zehren and bother in-law Roger Zehren, and many aunts and uncles.  He will reunite with two babies who did not get the opportunity to experience his unconditional love.

He will be teeing off for another round with his longtime golfing buddies on the eternal fairways in heaven.  Having the honor of escorting their grandfather to his next tee time are his grandsons Joshua Jacques, Anthony Jacques, Michel Jacques, SPC Alexander John Hamilton, Beaux Meyers, and Jonathan Jacques (Pall Bearers)

Visitation will be at Blaney Funeral Home at Thursday, October 8, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. With concerns for the coronavirus, we urge that all-in attendance wear masks. The visitation will be limited to 40 people at a time in the funeral home, with others waiting outside observing physical distancing and proper sanitization. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 9, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 211 N Maple Ave., from 9:00 - 10:00 am. The Mass of Christian Burial for Howie will be held at 10:00 am, Fr. Mark Vander Steeg officiating. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow the Mass as Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com or cards may be sent to Blaney Funeral Home to the attention of the Howard Jacques family and they will be forwarded on.

Special thank you to Home Instead, especially Darcy, Joe, John and Karen for the past 5 years of support, Unity Hospice, and the love and support of cherished family, neighbors and friends near and far.
Live your life with passion …