Keohane Funeral Home

Jakob Wohn of Hull passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 17, 2017 at the age of 78. 

Predeceased by his “sweetheart” and loving wife Mary Hennessey Wohn. Son of the late Eva and Joseph Wohn. Jakob was born in 1938 in Rothammel, Russia. His family moved to Siberia, then Minsk, White Russia, Lizmannstadt, Poland and Lohfelden, Germany. In 1952, the Wohn family moved to Chicago, Illinois.

One of six children, Jakob is survived by his loving sister Litwina “Lena” and Jacob Bathneier, Chicago, Illinois. And many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brothers Alex, Clemens, and Johan and sisters Maria and Kather.  

Jake had an impressive work experience. He fondly would talk about his first job as an usher at the Belmont Theater in Luckey, Ohio. He obtained an Assosciate Degree at Devry University in Chicago in Electronics Technology, then went to Depaul University followed by Illinois Institute of Techbology enhancing his foundation in electronics.

He began his electronic career at Webcor Corp. in Chicago and shortly went to work at Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University where he became involved in design fabrication and installation of telescope drives and tube and transistor amplifiers. In 1963, he transferred to Las Cruces, New Mexico to continue electronic and observer experience with Dearborn Observatory. He then accepted a position with Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory and told Northwestern he wanted to widen his experience in the field and take the opportunity to travel and live overseas. For over twenty years he coordinated laser engineering operations for the Smithsonian global network of satellite stations; designing systems and formatting diagnostic procedures in Argentina, Arizona, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Italy, Peru, Spain, So. Africa, and Sweeden. Jake, as a Master Observer and Laser Engineer, worked with Smithsonian Atrophysical Observatory and NASA and was consistently given accolades because of his knowledge of all facets of laser installation in the area of high power switch systems. He often worked 7 days a week and up to 16 hours a day, reporting to private and federal agencies.

It was in Arequipa, Peru that Jake met the love of his life, Mary, in the 60’s and they spent many happy years in Hull. Jake could have endless conversations on her Boogie Board talents in the ocean at Nantasket Beach. All who loved Jake dearly, social worker, caretakers, health aides, will missed his delightful stories of the adventures traveling around the world.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 9:30-10:30 AM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday in St. Mary’s Parish in St. Ann’s Church, Hull at 11 AM. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery, Hull.