It was with sadness that we learned this weekend of the passing of H. Robert Jacobs. Bob, as the District 99 Music Team knew him, was a community activist extraordinaire, and a dedicated member of the local Kiwanis Club.
Through this organization Mr. Jacobs developed - in consort with then DGS Band Director Alan Roselieb - the International Music Exchange Program between the District 99 schools and the Musikschule of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany.
Mr. Jacobs supported the music exchange program for nearly twenty-five years, hosting visitors from Germany on many occasions, and developing close friendships with many citizens of Bietigheim-Bissingen.
Here Mr. Jacobs is seen in June of 2008, meeting with the members of the District 99 Honors Band just moments before the students boarded buses for O'Hare and their plane to Europe. His message of friendship and compassion was always appreciated and inspiring. He was quick to recognize and point out to our students that "music knows no borders."
We will miss Mr. Jabob's very much, and District 99 sends deepest condolences to his family.
Click here, or on the image below to view a 10 min. video documentary of the music exchange program that Mr. Jacobs helped establish.
From the Chicago Tribune:
H. Robert Jacobs, age 83, beloved husband of Grace E. Jacobs, nee Kinsey, loving father of Susan K. (Robert M.) Zoelle, Richard L. Jacobs, Theresa M. (Scott A.) Beck, Robert C. (Pamela L.) Jacobs, John M. (Arlene L.) Jacobs and Thomas A. Jacobs, cherished grandfather of Marc, Bradley, Kristin, Joseph, Alexandra, Marissa, Logie, John Robert, Hannah, Clare, Rachel, Jared and Emma Grace, great-grandfather of Ryan Grace, brother of Richard A. (Marti) Jacobs and Marianne (Patrick) Hogan, fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday 3 to 8p.m. Funeral Tuesday 9:15 a.m. from Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main St., (1 blk. S. of Ogden Ave.) Downers Grove to St. Mary of Gostyn Church Mass 10 a.m. Interment Clarendon Hills Cemetery. Memorials to University of Illinois - College of ACES, Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarship Program I Jacobs Kinsey Scholarship Endowment Fund., 115 ACES LIBRARY, 1301 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801. Phone # 217-244-9150.
