Jacob U. Mendizabal, age 67, of Adrian, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Born August 3, 1956, in Defiance, Ohio, he was the son of Manuel and Beatrice (Urdiales) Mendizabal.
Jacob lived his early life in Holgate, Ohio. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1975 until 1977, and is current a member of the Adrian American Legion Post 97. Jacob moved to Adrian upon marriage to the love of his life, Elisa Ayala, on February 16, 1979. Together, they raised four children and enjoyed over 45 years of memories as husband and wife.
Jacob was a dedicated employee of General Motors for 32 years. Catholic by faith, he was a parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his leisure time. He also enjoyed watching sports, and was an avid fan of Detroit Tigers baseball, Detroit Lions and U of M football. Jacob and Lisa belonged to a Poker group, and enjoyed frequently hosting at their home. Jacob found most pleasure in being in the company of his beloved family. His easy-going personality along with his humor and loving nature made him a pleasure to be around. He was selfless and was reliably generous with his heart of gold. He will be deeply missed by those he loved.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Elisa, are his four children, Jacob Mendizabal, Jr., Manuel (Caitlin) Mendizabal, Benjamin Mendizabal (Natalia De Leon), and Teresa Mendizabal of Adrian; siblings, Gus Mendizabal, Zeke Mendizabal, Julian Mendizabal, Troy Mendizabal, Jesse (Wendy) Mendizabal, Sandra (Tubby) Poland, Amanda Mendizabal, Nancy Mendizabal, and Mary Mendizabal; twelve grandchildren, Jaime, Alyssa, Isaak, Nathaniel, Larissa “Peanut”, Sebastian, Tahlia, Genavie, Brendan, Gavin, Laiana, and Nora; and a great-granddaughter, Skye. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Esther Vasquez and Sylvia Mendizabal; and a grandson in infancy, Luis Torres, Jr.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian, on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., concluding with a vigil prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass for Jacob will be celebrated by Father Michael Newman, OSFS, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Campus in Adrian. Rite of Committal along with military honors will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.