Eva Sophie Wilpütz’s journey began in Wuppertal - Elberfeld, Germany, on October 28th, 1934, where she was born to Hildegard Klapproth and Heinz Willpütz. Eva grew up in Uslar, Germany and earned her degree in Home Economics. In 1953, Eva embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Washington, D.C., where she was a governess for a family near Georgetown. It was there that she met her future husband, Henri Jacob Sr. while shopping at his family’s French Market. Together, they had two sons and eventually moved to Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, where they settled and raised their family. Eva took great pride in being the primary caregiver to her two sons and two stepchildren—a role she embraced with love, strength, and commitment.

She spent her time not only taking care of the family but also a wide array of hobbies that brought her joy and creativity. She loved reading, crocheting, gardening, being a member of the local writers group, and crafting. Cooking was another passion—though whether or not she followed the recipe was often left to the tastebuds to decide! An opinionated German woman she was—many remember her for her thick accent and sharp wit.

After her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a quiet transformation took place. She became relaxed with a happy go lucky attitude and always a smile upon her face. Her favorite visitors were her great-grandchildren who she met for the first time, every time. And though the disease took much, she held on to a spark of that wit we all loved. One of the hardest things is to grieve the loss of someone who is still alive. With Alzheimer’s, we began losing pieces of her long before she was gone. The sharpness in her wit faded, the stories repeated or forgotten— but every now and then, a look, a laugh, or a phrase reminded us that she was still there. It was in those moments that we cherished her all the more.

Eva is survived by her two sisters in Germany; Sylvia Topp and Margrit Deistler, two sons; Roland (Jozella) Jacob, Henri Jr. (Joe) Jacob-Gordon, two stepchildren; Michel Jacob, Chantel Tynes, grandchildren; Courtney (Kyle) Olson, Tyler (Panhia) Jacob, great grandchildren; Eva & Ella Olson, and Case Jacob. As well as nieces and great-nieces whom still reside in Germany.

Eva was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her former husband, whose memory remained a part of her story.

In lieu of flowers please donate directly to one of these amazing associations; Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Guardian Angels Engel Haus Senior Services. Arrangements by The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael. www.thepetersonchapel.com