Jacob Donley

Jacob Eugene Orville Donley, 30, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, in Grand Forks, ND.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Charles J. Milbrandt Armed Forces Reserve Center, 115 S. Roosevelt Street, Aberdeen.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the service.

Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, at the Charles J. Milbrandt Armed Forces Reserve Center. Visitation continues one hour before the service.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.

Jacob Eugene Orville Donley was born on October 17, 1994, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Don and Joann (Hommel) Donley.

Jacob attended elementary and middle school in Groton, SD. He graduated from Groton Area High School in 2013.

Jacob had his first official job at age 14, which was beekeeping for the Taylor’s in Andover, SD. Jacob joined the Army Reserves during his senior year and attended basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, after graduating high school. After returning home from Basic Training, Jacob worked for 3M and later Sodak Sports. Jacob never considered Sodak work as he enjoyed being there so much. From 2022 until his death, Jacob traveled with his wife and two sons, homeschooled his children, and took multiple orders for the Army.

Jacob loved many things in life, especially firearms. He was incredibly knowledgeable on the topic, as well as an accomplished marksman. Jacob shared a love of trains with his boys. Much time was spent setting up tracks and trains. Jacob also loved adventure. He visited 13 national parks and 15 states in the last two years. He was a true nomad and reveled in new experiences.

Jacob met Hailey in 7th grade, shared a puppy love and started dating at age 17 and have been together ever since. Their last 13 years have been filled with love, laughter and lots of fun.

Jacob will be remembered for his sense of humor and his altruistic ways. Family, friend, or stranger, it didn’t matter to Jacob, he would go above and beyond for anyone. Jacob’s love for others will live on through his boys.

Jacob is survived by his wife, Hailey Donley; children: Oliver and Arthur Donley; siblings; Jennifer Jesperson, Emma (Xavier) Klvacek, Sonda Donley, Tama Donley, Kit Donley, and John (Valerie) Donley; parents: Don and Joann Donley; mother-in-Law: Heather (Justin Fischer) Donovan; father-in-Law: Anthony Donovan; grandmother, Faye Cossentine; sister in law: Sidney Donovan; brothers-in-law: Paxton Fischer, Jaxon Fischer, and Justin Donovan; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, and Nephews.