Norman “Jake” S. Jacobson, 94, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012 surrounded by his family at Bell Tower Residence under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
He was born May 18, 1917 in Nelsonville, WI, to the late Carl & Louise (Skowen) Jacobson. Norman married Phyllis June Schulz on February 1, 1944. She survives.
Jake graduated from Amherst High School and went on to Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point, earning a B.S. Degree in Education. He was a Jr. High Teacher at Irma State Graded School. Jake entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941 and served in the 321 Bomb Group, 448 Squadron, flying 50 missions as pilot of a B-25 bomber over the Mediterranean area during World War II. He was awarded 3 Bronze Battle Stars and an Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war he worked for the State of Wisconsin and the Veterans Administration. In 1946 Jake and Phyllis purchased Irma Oil Company which they operated for 28 years. They enjoyed camping and traveling for many years. Jake also took a “second job” at Van Der Geest Dairy, proudly telling the story about the dairy. He and Phyllis resided at Bell Tower Residence for the past three years.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, Merrill; children: Mary Kay Van Der Geest, Merrill, and David Alan (Sandra) Jacobson, West Bend; six grandchildren: Amy Jo(Jeff) Butler, Cosby, MO, Lee (Fiance Katie Mihlbauer) Van Der Geest, Merrill and Beth (Fiance Gabe Gwaltney)Van Der Geest, Carthage, MO, and Ann (Sunil Matte) Jacobson, Arlington, VA, Kyle (Madeleine) Jacobson, Milwaukee, and Emily Jacobson, Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Gary Van Der Geest
Services will be held at noon Friday, April 20, 2012 at Bell Tower Residence. The Rev. Don King will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 AM Friday until the service at Bell Tower. Burial will follow at Merrill Memorial Park. Special thanks to the staff of Bell Tower and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to Friends of Potawatomi State Park, Inc. 3740 Park Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, or Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services, or Bell Tower or the charity of choice. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.