Kenneth C. Jacobs

Kenneth C. Jacobs, 67, of Davenport, IA, died on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Genesis East Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Kenneth was born September 8, 1954, in Davenport, son of Glenn and Pauline (Novak) Jacobs. He was united in marriage to Tammy Plies on September 21, 1991.

Ken graduated from Davenport West High School in 1972. He was a Route Sales Representative for Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Davenport for nearly 45 years before his retirement in 2018.

After retiring, you’d most likely find him and a friend (or five) in his pole barn dropping a nickel into his adult beverage vending machine, sipping on cold ones, talking shop, and ogling his many toys. The most revered being his yellow ‘53 Chevy hot rod and ’55 Harley Davidson Panhead. Ken was a self-taught, skilled mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, owning, riding, and customizing motorcycles since the 1960s. He covered many coast-to-coast miles on his motorcycles and especially enjoyed attending bike week in Daytona and any race, hill climb, motorcycle or car show event.

Kenny, Ken, Pepsi Man, Kenny the Kid, The Captain, Chuck Tidwell, Silver Fox, Jake, Cute Kenny, and Kenneth Charles (when he was in trouble), was a storyteller and could make anyone laugh. You see, “a joke is all about the timing.” To the delight of his many followers, Ken enjoyed starting each day curating his one-stop destination for gut-busting, viewer discretion advised, Facebook memes.

Proud son of a World War II Navy veteran, Ken was a passionate history buff who loved watching documentaries and historical drama. He was meticulous about everything – from his lawn, garage, collections, to his menus. As particular as he was, he threw caution to the wind in social settings. Ken had a genuine interest for all who crossed his path. With his shock of distinguished silver hair and warm smile, he enchanted everyone he met along the way.

Above all else, he cherished his family. He was an exceptional husband to Tammy and together, they lived their days to the fullest. They laughed together every day and their inside jokes and movie line banter will be missed. He was the love of Tammy's life and will forever be her most favorite person ever. He was infinitely proud being a father to his twin girls and made that known to all. He was their biggest fan and protector. Although he indulged all their girly interests, he never missed an opportunity to impart his knowledge of motorcycles, guns, and other trivial facts. He supported all of his grandchildren and made it a mission to attend every one of their sporting events and activities.

Ken was the beloved husband for 30 years of Tammy, devoted father of Jamie Cronkleton of Davenport, IA, and Jennifer (Chad) Chamberlin of Durant, IA, and adoring grandpa to Cohen and Devin Cronkleton and Merin and Connor Chamberlin. He is also survived by brother, Michael (Linda) Jacobs; mother-in-law Joyce Plies; brother-in-law Tony (Debbie) Plies; nieces and nephews, Steve (Kayla) Jacobs, Andy (Amie) Jacobs, Katie (Brett) Yarzak, John (Ellen) Jacobs, Jeff (Tara) Plies, Jr., Tiffany Postell, Nick Plies, Grant Plies and Emma Plies; many great-nieces and nephews; and countless close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Garland Plies; son-in-law, Brian Cronkleton; brothers-in-law, Jeff Plies and Todd Plies; and cherished Chow dogs, Harley and Willie.

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the truly exceptional oncology nurses, physicians, staff and infusion teams at Genesis and the University of Iowa, who coordinated Ken’s care and created a compassionate environment during his transition from this life to the next.

After his cancer diagnosis a year ago, Ken confronted his death and mortality as he did with his life, head-on. Time nor cancer ever seemed to catch up with or slow him down. He enjoyed riding, socializing, and strenuous work right up until his final day.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 8, 2022, at the Hickory Creek Event Center, 3504 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, IA 52806, from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. Ken despised formality and stuffiness and would really be ticked off if you showed up in a suit. Dress comfortably. Everybody has a Ken story, and we’d love to hear them all.

Memorial donations in Ken’s name can be made to The University of Iowa Sarcoma Research Fund, Batting for Kids, Inc., or your favorite watering hole, where you are instructed to tie one on and tell a few stories of the great Ken Jacobs.

“One more and I gotta go.”