Jake Wildschut was born in Delft, Netherlands, May 28, 1952. He arrived in California with his family when he was 4 ½ years old. During the Vietnam era, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany. While attending Fresno State he met his future wife, Janelle Boots. They were married in a church ceremony in August 1976.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in 1979, he remained in Fresno for a couple of years until landing a job with the California Department of Food and Agriculture as an inspector. This was his life’s profession. He retired after 31 years of service.
Through the years he enjoyed camping with family in the mountains or near the beach. He participated in a few half-marathons. After retirement he was a team member on Christian missions to Ethiopia, Malawi, Jordan, and Mexico. Jake loved playing the bass with his church worship band. While living in Reno he saw a need and started an after-school club with wonderful volunteers a couple of days a week to help children with homework, have fun, share a snack and to share his faith.
A few years after a cancer diagnosis, Jake and Janelle relocated to Tennessee. Besides regular treatment he later participated in a few clinical trials in Nashville.
Jake is survived by his wife, Janelle; son Jeb (Sherilyn); grandsons Corban and Blake Wildschut; son Seth (Jessica); grandsons Maverick and Ryker Wildschut; daughter Olivia Moschetti (Tony); and granddaughters Ivy and Zoe Moschetti. He is also survived by his brother, John, and sisters, Margaret and Barbie.
He was received into the Lord’s presence on Good Friday, 2026.
There will be a small, private celebration of life in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was buried in Mountain Home National Cemetery.
Jake was one of the most impactful men and brothers I have ever shared life and ministry with. He had a big heart and a deep compassion, especially for the families and children in our church community. To so many, he was simply “Grandpa Jake.”
I count it a great privilege and a true blessing to have served alongside him at Vertical and in our community. My children deeply loved and honored him, and he showed genuine love and care not only to them, but also to my late wife, Analiza.
We loved Jake so much, and he will be greatly missed.
We love you, Jake. Goodnight… and we will see you in the morning.
I can only imagine Jake and my beloved Analiza now together in the presence of their Lord and Savior.
04/12/2026
William Bergstrom
Jack was a good friend and a kind person always thoughtful. We spent many hours playing and listening to music stepping out from rock ‘n’ roll as high school sophomores into classical, jazz and world music. A great adventure.
Jack is always up for a hike or to hitchhike down to Monterey or Big Sur.
I also like Jack’s parents I may be jealous. You don’t get many good friends in your life, but Jack was definitely one.
04/10/2026
Nathan Austria
Mr. Jake was the heart of our church family. He saw my sisters’ and I grow from adolescence into adulthood, and we, over the many years, were fortuned to be inspired by his persevered endeavor to serve. Furthermore, I’m grateful to have played music alongside him, and carry with me memories that’ll always make me smile (One moment that sticks out - Mr. Jake, Bryan, and I writing a rap song and recording it). All in all, I and many others in Reno love Mr. Jake, and the mark he’s made on our hearts is everlasting.
04/10/2026
Lucia Gonzalez
My condolences to his family. He was a great person. R.i.p. sending hugs to his family.
