In Memory of Jacob “Jake” Irgens

Jacob Lee Marcus Irgens, age 47, of Cambridge died November 20, 2024.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 30th at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 507 Wisconsin Ave. N, Frederic, WI 54837.  A celebration of life will follow at The 300 Club, 413 Wisconsin Ave. S. Frederic.

 

Jacob “Jake” Lee Marcus Irgens, 47, of Cambridge, MN, was born on January 20, 1977, in Appleton, MN, to Marcy (Borstad) and Mark Irgens. He was baptized on March 20, 1977, and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.

Jake graduated from Lac qui Parle Valley High School in 1995, where he was a natural athlete. He excelled in basketball, holding a school record to this day, and played football and ran track. Growing up in Appleton, Jake enjoyed collecting baseball cards and spending time at his grandparents’ place at the Wood Shed, creating lifelong memories with friends and family. He was known for keeping his parents on their toes and was especially close to his younger sister, McKenzie, despite his tendency to prank and embarrass her at every opportunity.

After high school, Jake earned a degree in Communication at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. He married Dana Arneson on July 20, 2002, in Hayward, WI, and together they raised two children, Jada and Ryder, who were the absolute pride of his life. Jake loved being a dad and found immense joy in watching his kids grow. Whether attending their sports events, taking them fishing, going to the lake in Grantsburg, hunting for agates, or simply documenting their lives with pictures and videos, Jake was ultimately most proud of Jada and Ryder. When they were with their Dad, they felt like the safest people in the world. Jake would always make sure they knew he would do absolutely anything for them and would often remind them what he would do if anyone ever put a hand on them. The kids and their friends would often tell him, if there was a zombie apocalypse, they had all decided they would choose to be with him to keep them safe, and well…entertained. That made him so happy to hear. He was and will always be their protector.

In 2011, Jake met Chrissy Westman, and they built a special relationship, sharing time together with their children. They enjoyed weekends up north at the cabin, boating, snow tubing, hiking, and going to waterparks. Their connection was full of goofiness and shared adventures, making countless memories.

Jake’s energy and enthusiasm were unmatched. He was always busy, whether running errands, helping friends, starting new projects, organizing business samples, or attending card shows. He had a passion for music and always had his favorite songs playing, often sharing them with his children, who were his constant companions in whatever activity they were doing. Whether they were raking leaves and jumping in piles, playing basketball in the yard, going to Dairy Queen for blizzards, or just walking around the block, Jake made sure every moment was an adventure.

Nearly every morning, he would call his mom, Marcy, and they sipped their coffee and often chatted for hours, reminiscing on memories and keeping up with each other’s lives. He spoke with his dad often, in person and on the phone. Every single conversation ended with this exchange, (Mark) “I love you son.” (Jake) “I love you, Dad.” His love, care and appreciation for Marcy and Dave, and Mark and Eileen was immeasurable.

Jake loved to cook and would frequently grill enormous steaks and burgers for his family, his kids, and all their friends. Early mornings, he would wake them with a huge stash of donuts from Casey’s for breakfast. He was especially good at making sure no one ever went hungry, always making sure they had a “happy belly.” Jake’s love and protection extended beyond food—he was their rock, always making them feel safe and cherished, and was ready to take on any challenge for his family.

Jake was a kind, caring, and generous soul who always put the needs of others before his own. He had a knack for making everyone feel special and important, whether by sending thoughtful texts, making numerous phone calls, or simply checking in with loved ones. His positive attitude and sense of humor made him the life of any gathering. As a salesman at DB Sports for 24 years, with his step-dad, Dave, he was known for his ability to connect with people, and he often went the extra mile to help others. His work ethic earned him numerous accolades, including “employee of the month” and a VIP parking spot, and he was well-loved by his colleagues and clients alike. He also enjoyed side jobs, often painting with his good friend Everett or Craig (Buddah).

Jake was known by many as “Jake,” but when called “Jacob” by the important women in his life, he would listen intently. He became a regular at the Cambridge Wally World (Walmart), where he was on a first-name basis with the staff. No matter what he was doing, whether it was having a conversation, sharing a laugh, or helping someone out, Jake’s presence made a difference. His storytelling ability was legendary, and his ability to bring laughter and joy into a room was unmatched.

Jake is survived by his children, Jada Irgens (Cooper Andrea) and Ryder Irgens; his parents, Marcy and Dave Basten, and Mark and Eileen Irgens; his sister, McKenzie (Brandon) Dahl, and nephews Sawyer and Silas Dahl; his significant other, Chrissy Westman, and her daughters, Shaylah and Mariah; his brothers and sisters, Tammy Mickelson, Chrissy (Jeremy) Smida, Michelle (Jared) Lindsholm, Scott (Tammy) Basten, and Brett (Jessica) Basten; nieces and nephews, Kylee Lindsholm, Avery Smida, Brooke Basten, Serena Basten, Alyssa Burg, Jordan Lindsholm, Jayden Smida, Ashton Smida, Brady Basten, and Dillon Basten; friend and mother of his children, Dana Cudd; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were like family.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Porter Dahl; his grandparents, Galen and Mary Ann Borstad, and Mildred and Leroy Irgens; great-grandparents Oscar and Mabel Borstad; Uncle and Aunt Phil and Pam Borstad; and Uncle Charlie Darth.

Jake’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. To know Jake, was to love Jake. His love for his family, his infectious sense of humor, and his unwavering kindness will never be forgotten. Blessed be his memory.