Obituary of Jacob Zappa

Jacob "Jake" Richard Zappa was called home to the Lord on April 15, 2024, at the age of 34.

Born on September 12, 1989 Jake lived a life marked by his extreme compassion, generosity and his gift of music. His passion for music and his love of theater created a community of life long friends, experiences and memories. 

Jake's love for Sports & Entertainment and food led him to a job at Levy Restaurants where he met his soulmate, Heather in 2014. It was love at first sight and they were married a year later. Jake had the opportunity to travel to some of the biggest sporting events in the country including working for the Milwaukee Bucks at both Fiserv Forum and Bradley Center, Ravinia Festival, Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, the College World Series and the Indy 500. Most recently, Jake served with integrity and dedication as a Marketing Sales Manager for Pizza Ranch. His work ethic and collaborative spirit were blessings to his colleagues and the communities that he served.

After Jake and Heather moved to Waukesha, they searched for the perfect church home and found it at St. Mary's Visitation. He loved the community and often referred to St. Mary's Parish as being "Unapologetically Catholic", a phrase he coined himself. Jake and Heather used their God given talents to show their love and devotion for their parish by bringing lunches to teachers and even running the school lunch program. 

Jake was an incredible and beloved husband to his wife and forever soulmate Heather and a nurturing father to their four beautiful children Isaiah, Isabella, Adeline, and Elijah. 

Jake was more than blessed when it came to his family. He often joked, he not only had a family tree but an entire forest. He is survived by his parents, Rick Zappa and Jacki McElmurry; bonus parents, John and Kathie Mallek and Ginger Zappa, grandparents, Eva "Ninny" McElmurry, Violet Mustain, Evelyn Matson, Bud Matson and Patricia Mallek; siblings, Lindsey (Kelly) FitzMaurice, Ryan (Cary) Mallek, Karleigh (Fabio) Perazzo, Kelsi Mallek, Ashley Zappa, and Jeremy English, in-laws Diane Weseloh and Darrell Sheets, Wilma Sheets, Melvin and Karen Weseloh, Dale (Olivia) Sheets and Kristine (John) Velez; many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces that he dearly loved as well. 

He was preceed in death by two children that were too beautiful for Earth, Elizabeth Ann and Maximilian Kolbe Zappa; grandparents, Rosie and Peter Zappa, Michelina Santopolo, Errol Mustain, Frank Mustain, Daniel Mallek, Mary Savage, Elijah "Lige" and Eula "Momo" Dye, Jack "Poppy" McElmurry, and Frances and Jack McElmurry.

In the words of Jake: "Remember who you are, remember who you love, surround yourself with people who build you up. Do good."

A visitation will take place Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial to take place Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 714 49th Street, Kenosha, WI at 3:00 pm. Interment to be private for the family at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL.

Jake dressed for the occasion, whether it was wearing a jersey for game day, or a suit on Sundays. The family kindly asks that when attending the visitation that you dress in what makes you comfortable. Please feel free to wear a jersey or get dressed to the nines.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following link, www.gofundme.com/f/honor-the-life-and-legacy-of-jake