Jeffery Jon Vacek, age 64, of Oxford Junction, passed away on October 26, 2026, on the farm.

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He loved working on the farm.

Jeff was born on March 4, 1962 in Cedar Rapids to Michael and Eloise (Ruchotzke) Vacek. Jeff attended and graduated from Oxford Junction High School in 1980.

After graduation, Jeff went straight to working on the farm along side his dad. He loved working on the farm. He worked endlessly to make sure things were done, and done just the way he wanted it done. He raised crops, cattle, and hogs. He was dedicated to his farming operation.

The night of July 3rd of 1988, Jeff met the love of his life, Penny Horstmann, at the end of a slow pitch softball game in Oxford Junction. They were then united in marriage on August 23rd, 1997 at Sacred Heart Church in Lost Nation.

Jeff and Penny had two children together; Emma in 1999 and Reece in 2003. Jeff loved spending time with his children.

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Jeff loved gathering for family events.

He was a devoted family man. Jeff loved gathering for family events. He loved spending time with his friends. He had a passion for deer hunting and was a part of the best hunting group. Jeff was a past member of the Whitetails Unlimited Wapsi Bottoms Chapter. He also enjoyed trapping every now and then and mushroom hunting. He liked playing cards, even if he was out until 4:00 the next morning. Jeff would never pass up the opportunity to enjoy drinking an Old Milwaukee. In the last year and a half, Jeff was the best grandpa to Isaac. Isaac always wanted a side by side, tractor, or skid loader ride from Grandpa Jeff. If he promised Isaac a ride, Isaac got one. “Grandpa” was one of Jeff’s favorite titles.

Those left to cherish his memories are his dad, Michael Vacek; his wife, Penny; his daughter, Emma (Scott) Adams; his son Reece Vacek; a grandson, Isaac Adams; sister in law, Colleen (Aaron) Benhart; mother and father-in law, Donna and Dick Hartvigsen; his aunt, Brenda Vacek; best friend, Scott Burda; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his mom, Eloise; his uncles, Kenny Vacek, Eldon Ruchotzke and Everett Ruchotzke; aunts Elizabeth Wieble, Evelyn Wieble, and Elda Licht; and a father-in-law, Bill Horstmann.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m. at the Oxford Junction Legionnaire. A brief tribute and sharing of memories will take place at 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at the Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction. Dawson Funeral Services of Oxford Junction is caring for his family. Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous or the Oxford Junction Volunteer Fire Department in his honor.