Jacob Emerson Iske

“Jacob Iske was happiest if he was a hundred feet off the ground. One must often look skyward to see his work.” At the young age of 25, Jacob Iske departed this world to meet God face-to-face, after a tragic accident on Friday, September 9, 2022. He leaves his wife, Hannah, son, Emerson, and a baby on the way, along with parents, William and Michelle, and brothers, Grant (Brianna), Gage and Jett. He wasn’t afraid of death because he knew that Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself in-order-to restore his relationship with God.

Jacob Emerson carried his great-grandfather’s namesake which he passed on to his son Emerson, along with sharing his birthday with his Grandpa Ray. Jacob was born April 2, 1997 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of William and Michelle (Welsh) Iske. He grew up learning to use his hands on the family farm and was interested in anything mechanical or electrical. He wasn’t afraid to jump in and figure out a complex problem. Jacob was a good leader, often protective and showing the way. He always reminisced about the days growing up with three younger brothers.

He was a 2016 high school graduate, homeschooled throughout his life. During his last year, he attended Whiteside County Career Center. He started to carpool there with another homeschooled girl, who became the future love of his life, Hannah Brill. He and Hannah would sit in the parking lot and just talk for hours. They became best of friends, fell in love, and on July 14, 2018, were married at the First Brethren Church in Lanark. In 2019 they had a son, Emerson, and in 2022 moved from Lanark to Polo, where they could fulfill their dream of having a place in the country to raise their kids. He was an incredible dad, teaching Emerson, “his little guy”, how to work with his hands.

After high school, Jacob went right to work for Carroll Service Farm Systems in Lanark, where he was appreciated for his welding skills, working with grain systems, and his customer service. It didn’t take long for Jacob to become a trusted friend to his customers. Jacob then went into business for himself, using his talent to cut trees, Iske Tree & Debris. He cut the trees and Hannah did the books. Jacob was a go-getter in life and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.

He was a member of the First Brethren Church in Lanark, where he also participated as a worship leader and youth group leader. His faith was important to him, and his family can rely on that now.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Hannah and son Emerson of Polo (along with another baby on the way); his parents, William and Michelle Iske of rural Lanark; three brothers, Grant (Brianna) Iske of Lanark, Gage and Jett Iske of rural Lanark; grandparents, Ray and Vickie Welsh of Durand, IL; sister-in-law Beth Brill; and his mother and father-in-law, Ed and Sue Brill. Jacob is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ron and Gretchen Iske.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, September 15, 2022 at the First Brethren Church of Lanark with Pastor Tim Swigart officiating. Visitation will be held 3 – 7 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Church. In honor of Jacob's life, memorials my be sent through the following webpage https://www.gofundme.com/f/jacob-iske-memorial?qid=b0268debc6ab12648a9ef0dcd96a2d55 . Friends and family are invited to leave a condolence and share in Jacob’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com. Friends and family who wish to watch the Facebook livestream may do so at https://www.facebook.com/groups/474477987922446 .