It is with great sadness that the family of David C. Jacka announce his sudden passing on August 23, 2022 at the age of 71. He was a wonderful man with a quick wit and a unique sense of humor. He will be remembered for his eclectic knowledge of the most detailed facts and his incredible knack for storytelling which captured the attention and hearts of all who knew him.

David was born to Willard Clifton Jacka and Darleen May Jacka (Janssen) on April 15, 1951 in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

David’s early years were spent living on the Jacka family farm. He loved riding the tractor and helping feed the animals. His family moved to Omaha when his dad, Willard, started working with the US Post Office, delivering mail by train. After a few years, they moved to Lincoln, NE. David was a dedicated student and graduated from Northeast High School (1969) and the University of Nebraska (1974) with a BS. David thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member of the UNL Fencing Club and the UNL Marching Band. He played in the marching band at three National Championship Bowl Games: 1969 Sugar Bowl in El Paso, TX and the 1970 and 1971 Orange Bowl Games in Orlando, FL. GO BIG RED! After graduating from UNL, David moved to Denver, CO to complete his Master’s Degree in Library Science.

David met the love of his life at his part time job, at Montgomery Wards, as he worked his way through college. David was a broom pusher and Teresa was a salesperson working in the fabric department. Early on, Teresa noticed the broom pusher, as he would twirl the garbage cans that echoed through the store much to the dismay of their supervisor. A few months later, Teresa was waiting for her class to begin when David asked her out on a first date during a chance meeting on campus in Burnett Hall. Three years later, they devoted their lives to each other and were married on March 5, 1976.

Together, David and Teresa started their married life in Wahoo and Yutan while David was the Librarian for the Mead Public Schools K-12. A few years later, David was offered the Assistant Director position at the Columbus Public Library, and they moved to Columbus, NE. In 1982, David accepted the Director position

at the Bellevue Public Library and another move followed. Eventually, their growing family moved to Iron Mountain, MI when David became the Director of the Dickinson County Library. In 1991, the family moved to Kenosha, WI where David enjoyed being the Media Specialist for the Kenosha Public Library System.

David and Teresa had two children: Jeffrey Scott and Jennifer Michelle. Our family of four loved spending time together camping and traveling throughout the USA. We made many memories exploring beaches, mountains, forests, plains, and deserts enjoying all of the experiences that each had to offer.

David had a variety of interests. His love of reading and history led him to visit many museums and historical places, including many battlefields. David’s attention to detail and thirst for knowledge resulted in reading every description of every item on display. All of which he seemed to remember and recall at a moment’s notice. In addition, David liked to read all the instructions before attempting to do anything, so he would always be well informed and ready for any problems should they arise.

David had a passion for playing instruments. He learned to play an alto and tenor sax, a piccolo, bassoon, oboe, and even taught himself how to play the banjo. David loved to dance. Both David and Teresa especially enjoyed Square Dancing, Round Dancing, and Clogging. They belonged to several Square Dancing clubs over the years traveling to conventions, and getting away for special weekend dances.

David was a well-traveled scholar. David enjoyed a summer filled with backpacking through Europe on a trip that included Germany, Austria, England, and Scotland. He later took a second trip to Germany during winterim. His love of travel continued throughout his life as he was able to visit nearly all 50 states in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska.

David will forever be remembered by his adoring mother Darleen Jacka, his loving wife of 46 years Teresa Jacka, their children Jeffrey Jacka and wife Liz Jacka, Jennifer Jancich and husband Bryan Jancich, grandsons Bentley and Bennet Jancich, along with numerous other family members and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father Willard C. Jacka, and brother Larry Lee Jacka.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on September 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Van Dorn Park; 930 High Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the University of Nebraska Foundation-Lincoln for either the UNL Library (#01054670) or UNL Marching Band (#01031230) to honor his time at the university. Please visit nufoundation.org to make an online gift.

Friends and family are encouraged to share their condolences and memories of David on his memorial site at davidjacka.forevermissed.com or by using the form below.