Earlier this morning my grandpa Jake passed away. I have many fond memories of my grandfather, including his jokes that, as kids, we thought were lame. Whenever one of the grandkids were in his chair he’d come over and ask if we knew how to play checkers. Before we could reply he’d tell us it was our move. There was also a joke he would tell whenever one of us took geometry (what did the acorn say when it grew up? Gee, I’m a tree!). His sense of humor definitely lives on in my father. I remember many summers at their house in North St. Louis, meals at our family’s Bissell Mansion Restaurant and Dinner Theatre, and Christmas Eves where we would all pile onto a couch and sing Christmas carols before we could open presents. My grandpa was a marine in World War II and, while he would rarely talk about the war, he proudly wore his WWII Veteran hat everywhere he went. He was a great man and I could only hope to be half the man he was. He will be missed.
Born on January 26, 1922, Jacob Schepker was a former Marine who fought in the Pacific during WWII, Jake was a principal of Schepker Bros. Service Co. in North St. Louis throughout his entire working life. He was active in numerous community activities through his beloved Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in north St. Louis on Grand Avenue, where he served in leadership roles over several decades in the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts and the CYC Little League. He was also politically active, spearheading several campaigns and eventually serving a term as Democratic Committeeman of the Second Ward. He was a lead organizer in the effort that saved the Bissell Mansion on Randall Place in St. Louis’ Northside, the City’s oldest private residence, from demolition in the early 1960s during the construction of I-70.
What a nice tribute to Uncle Jake. All of us (Marge and Les’ kids)so enjoyed visiting and staying at your home while growing up (some of us never did grow up….too many Schepker genes, I guess). Jake and Sophie and all of you cousins always, always made us feel welcome and the backyard BBQs, family gatherings, the Parkers, the Mansion, etc. are wonderful memories for us. Dad and Jake were very close and had that same “goofy” but treasured sense of humor. Dad would say to kids sitting in “his” chair…”Did you see that puppy in the kitchen?”….empty chair in seconds. We will miss him a lot – he made life special for us – as did all the Schepker siblings. What a great family! We are blessed. Mary Leslie
Mike, I am Elaine’s friend and I just want to send my condolences to your family. Jake was a truly great dad! I remember he always welcomed us to family gatherings and treated Elaine’s friends as if we were family. He had a kind and generous heart and soul. I worked at the Bissell Mansion for several years and I appreciated his dedication to the history of the place and to his neighborhood. He lived a good, full life.
Mary Anne
Michael, This is great. Thank you for your nice tribute to a great guy. Love, Elaine
I’m really sorry to hear about your grandpa. I lost mine last year, and while I didn’t get to know mine as well as you knew yours (he lived on the other side of the country), it’s hard knowing that they’re not around to tell us the stories they experienced. Sending much love your way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Grandparents are such a positive force in our lives… keep remembering those stories that make you smile. 🙂
Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person who accomplished much in his life while still taking the time for those little jokes with his family. So sorry about your family’s loss.