Gerald Jacquin

Gerald “Jake” Jacquin passed away on March 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-three. Born on December 31, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to August Julius and Amelia Mary (Maasen) Jacquin, he lived a life defined by quiet dedication, intellectual curiosity, and deep affection for family and the land.

Jake graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in Education and later earned a master’s degree plus 30 hours. For thirty-four years he taught high school English, most of that time at Wentzville Holt High School. He was a respected and well-liked teacher who cared less about rote rules of grammar than about teaching his students how to think. He took genuine pride in their success and remained a steady, encouraging presence in their lives. While teaching, he and his first wife, Linda Ann (Reiker) Jacquin, raised their three children: Jeremy Auguste Jacquin, Tara Ren Jacquin-Tisch, and Ashley Anne Jacquin.

After retiring from education, Jake fulfilled a long-held dream by becoming a cattle rancher. In 2001 he married Mary Sue “Susie” (Strake) Shelton, and together they spent twenty-four years on their 764-acre ranch in Falcon, Missouri. They shared a love of family, friends, horses, cattle, and the outdoors. Jake especially enjoyed caring for their dogs Clancy and Zander, traveling out West—particularly to Colorado—and the simple pleasures of a good working knife, a well-fitting cowboy hat, and a comfortable vest.

Jake is survived by his wife, Susie; his children Jeremy (Kari), Tara (John Tisch), and Ashley (Julian Powers); step-son John Shelton (Maggie); ten grandchildren—Jacob, Oliver, Gavin, Everett, Hunter, Hadyn, Alexandra, Ayden, Raeann, and Jaxson; three great-grandchildren; his siblings Thomas Jacquin (Mary) and Donna Clarke; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings. In keeping with his wishes, his family will travel together to Rocky Mountain National Park to scatter his ashes.