Melvin "Punk" Eugene Jacobs, Jr.

Melvin E. Jacobs Jr. (Punk) passed away on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Island United Methodist Church.  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Following the services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Island Methodist Church, Letts Fire Department or the Wilton Fire Department in memory of Melvin.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Muscatine is caring for Melvin’s family and arrangements.

He was born on October 31, 1949, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Melvin E. Jacobs Sr. and Irma Jean Jacobs.

From the very beginning, Melvin showed extraordinary strength and determination. He was born with skin cancer on his right hand and underwent his first surgery at just eight months old. By the age of eight, he had endured eleven surgeries, resulting in the amputation of one and a half fingers on his dominant right hand. These challenges never slowed him down.

Melvin graduated from Louisa-Muscatine High School in Letts, Iowa, and went on to attend Davenport Barber College, where he became the first Master Barber in the State of Iowa despite his disability—an achievement he was deeply proud of.

On June 26, 1970, Melvin was united in marriage to Roberta Bohling at Island United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and community.

While working at Russelloy Foundry, Melvin crafted the Case Eagle entirely on his own—an accomplishment that meant a great deal to him. The eagle still sits in the family yard today and has followed them through every place they called home, including Letts, Wilton, and Muscatine, Iowa, as well as Kingsland, Georgia, before returning to Muscatine. Melvin also worked at Quality Foundry and retired from North Star Steel.

While living in Letts, Iowa, Melvin owned and operated Mel’s Town and Country Barber Shop. He was actively involved in the community, serving on the Letts City Council, supporting Letts Little League, and serving on a committee that helped establish Mutual Aid in Louisa County. He also dedicated 11 years of service to the Letts Volunteer Fire Department.

After moving to Wilton, Iowa, Melvin continued barbering from his home and served an additional 18 years with the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department. Following retirement, he worked for Duffe Grain and Crop Production Services and Ron Greene, helping with snow removal during the winter months. Melvin made friends wherever he went—he truly never met a stranger.

In his spare time, Melvin enjoyed woodworking and took pride in making rocking horses, benches, and a cross for the Methodist Church. Above all else, Melvin was devoted to his family—his son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of his world. He also had a lifelong love for Corvettes, owning three over the years, and cherished his faithful companion, Cricket.

Melvin was a devoted member of Island United Methodist Church, where he served as a lay leader.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta; his son Corey (Julie) Jacobs of St. Mary’s, Georgia; his daughter Kim (Phillip) Nelson of Moscow, Iowa; his grandchildren Nick (Megan) Sanders of Omaha, Nebraska; Katlin Sanders (Davonte Ellis) of Muscatine, Iowa; Brandon (Tessa) Jacobs and Lauren Jacobs of St. Mary’s, Georgia; and Nolan Gerdes of Moscow, Iowa; and his great-grandchildren Zelda Sloan, Maverick Sanders, Florence Jacobs, Baker Sanders, Boston Sanders, Lazlo Ellis, Madden Sanders, and Rue Ellis.

He is also survived by his brothers Dennis (Doris) Jacobs and Jerry (Kim) Jacobs; his sister Diana Lange; and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin E. Jacobs Sr. and Irma Jean Jacobs Voeltz; his granddaughter Alexandria Jacobs; his stepfather Gordon Voeltz; and his brother-in-law Kevin Lange.

Melvin will be remembered for his resilience, generosity, and deep love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, including his final act of kindness with organ donation.

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