Jacob LeRoy Wabindato

Jake was born October 16 ,1949 in Manistee, Michigan to Jacob Peter Wabindato and Pauline Saugie. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1968, before being drafted into the US Army in 1969 where he served in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. A lifelong mechanic, Jake held various positions throughout his working life that enabled him to continue fixing things with his hands. This passion followed him into retirement where he was always tinkering with his race cars and helping his friends with theirs.

Jake was a long-time resident of Muskegon where he met Barbara Kroemer. They married in 1971 and went on to have two boys and also became co-parents of his sister’s two daughters, raising all of them in Cloverville. He attended Living Life Church for the last 10 years. He enjoyed socializing and held memberships with the VFW, American Legion, and Eagles. Bowling was an important activity in his life. Jake was proud to have participated in the ABC National Bowling Tournament for more than 30 years, which included travel around the US for vacation and to visit family. While an employee at Muskegon Bowling Lanes he enjoyed drilling the bowling balls for many kids and other patrons over the years.

His hobbies included softball, golfing, drag racing, and bowling. Jake was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and regularly attended meetings and pow wows.

Jake is survived by his wife, Barb; two sons, James and Phil and two daughters, Angela and Pauletta (Adam Visscher) that he and Barb began co-parenting in 1985; two brothers Steve (Kim) and Jeff (Sally) and one sister (Sharleen); grandchildren Isabella, Olivia, Logan, and Kyler; as well as many nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Jacob, his mother, Pauline, and his sister Sharon.

Arrangements are being coordinated with Ever Rest Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held in the spring on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 am at Living Life Church on Marquette with a luncheon to follow at 1:00 pm at the Don Rea VFW Post 8846 in North Muskegon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harbor Hospice Poppen House or Don Rea VFW Post 8846.