Obit: Ament, Jacob John II #1 (1923 – 2005)
Poster: Crystal Wendt
Email: Post4LincolnCoWi@aol.com

Surnames: Ament, Selner, Siebolt, Owens, Hohmeister, Pierce, Johnson, Pennel

---Source: Daily Tribute (Wis. Rapids, Wood Co., Wis.) Sun, Mar 6, 2005

---Ament, Jacob John II (26 Mar. 1923 – 1 Mar. 2005)

Jacob John Ament II

Jake was born in a logging camp in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, to Jake and Helen Ament on March 26, 1923. He graduated from Merrill High School. World War II broke out his senior year. Because of the effects of polio, he was classified 4-F and wasn't allowed to enlist. He joined the American Field Service to drive ambulance in Europe so he could contribute to the war effort. He was stationed in Italy and was attached to the South African 5th Army Group. He was very proud a few years ago when the U.S. recognized his service and awarded him several medals. When the war ended, he volunteered to serve in Burma with the Flying Tigers.

After the war, he worked his way through college and law school at UW. He met his wife, Edith Selner there and was married on Nov. 2, 1946. He served as Merrill City Attorney and as District Attorney. Jake was on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers for many years and held office in the American Trial Lawyer Association. The State Bar Association presented him with a special award for 50 years of service as an attorney.

Jake volunteered for many activities. He was a pilot and served on the Airport Commission. Also he was named outstanding JayCee of the year. He coached basketball and football at St. Roberts, as well as Little League and Senior League. As Little League All-Star coach the team fell one game short of representing the Midwest for the National Championships. Jake was also manager for the Merrill Foxes, a semi pro football team. He was very active in the Lincoln County Republican Party. He was county chairman, a national delegate and ran many campaigns.

Jake was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved to hunt, fish, golf and play cards. He belonged to the Merrill Country Club and more recently belonged to the Southern Woods Golf Club in Florida. Jake liked to sing whether it was with the Barbershoppers or at a party.

Jake and his devoted wife, Edie, lived for their family. He bragged about even their smallest accomplishments. He was known for the spontaneous rhymes he created for special occasions. We can all attest to the fact that he also knew how to direct people. Jake enjoyed life and never let anything hold him back. He always fought for the underdog.

Jake left this world on March 1, 2005, in Homosassa, Fla. He will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Edie, Homosassa, Fla.; sons Jack (Carol), Chippewa Falls, Rich (Mary Beth), Wausau, Russell (Michaele Mary) Wasilla, Ark.; and a daughter, Cheri (Mark) Siebolt, Apopka, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Elea (Jeff) Owens and Edie Ament, Adrianne, Jacob and Breanne Ament, Dan and Kristen Amen, and Shelly, Sara and Holly Hohmeister; and one great-grandchild, Abigail Owens. He is also survived by two sisters, Jackie Pierce and Roxie Johnson; and three brothers, Don, Bob and Ron.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Betty Lou Pennel.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 11 at Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Fla., until the funeral at 10 a.m.