A guy who knew how to live the dash!

Robert Walter Jacobson, of Hudson, passed away Tuesday December 26, 2023 in River Falls, WI. Robert was born August 16th, 1935, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to Harold and Grace (Buttke) Jacobson, the 4th of 7 siblings. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Alma Center, raised on the family farm, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. Among some of his amazing accomplishments growing up…driving a tractor at the age of 6, and disassembling and reassembling a manure spreader on the roof of the school.

He served as a LTJG Pilot in the United States Navy 1955-1959. He learned how to fly planes in Pensacola, Florida and Hutchinson, Kansas. He was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington where he flew P-2V patrol bombers and sub chasers. In the last years of his service, he spent time on Kodiak Island, “November-May, when Everyone wants to go to Alaska.” He was in Hawaii for the last USA atomic bomb test.

He said, “If anyone can enjoy the service, I did!  Many good friends, many good times, AND no wars…That’s how good we were.”

Bob attended Wisconsin State College at River Falls 1953-1955 and resumed his pursuit of higher education at the completion of his time in the Navy.  He graduated in 1961 with degrees in Ag Education and Biology.

1961 was a very good year!  Bob married Lorraine “Lori” Jacobson of Spring Valley, Wisconsin.  Though they are not related, sharing the same last name did help facilitate an introduction.  It was a year of firsts:  first child (Debra,) first house, and first job.

Bob’s career in finance began with a job at Production Credit Association (PCA) in Shawano, Wisconsin and continued with a position of Branch Manager in Antigo, Wisconsin.  There, the family grew to include son, Michael.

It was a job with the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, making loans to farmers,  that brought the family to Hudson, Wisconsin in 1967, where they were joined by son, Brian.  This job eventually meant a move to Lansing, Michigan for 1.5 years.  Bob must have felt a little guilty because before too long, the family had a camper and a puppy!

When Bob’s family returned to Hudson in 1972, Bob was able to purchase a 6 acre hobby farm that he dearly loved.  “Can’t take the country out of a farm boy,” he said. Many animals came and went through the years, and there was plenty of space for gardens!  He never wanted to leave it, and as it turns out, he didn’t have to.

Bob worked at American National Bank, St. Paul, from 1974 to 1997, when he retired at the age of 62. His position of Vice President of Correspondent Banking allowed him and Lori a chance to travel to many great locations in the U.S. and Canada, attending conventions and seminars.  “Best part – all on expense account.”

Bob enjoyed spending time with Lori, his wife of 62 years, his 3 children and their families (11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.) He and Lori were in a Couples Bridge Club for 50 years!  He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church for 55 years!  He was an avid reader. Traveling was something he enjoyed; this included trips to many European countries and cruises with dear friends, and summer cabin trips with the family. He loved to be outside, gardening, fishing, hunting, or just sitting on the front porch watching the hummingbirds.

He is survived by his wife Lori, a daughter Debra (Jack) Marshall, son Michael (Heidi) Jacobson, son Brian Jacobson, grandchildren Jennie (Andy) Johnson, Maggie Marshall, Jake (Caroline) Marshall, Austin (Jenna) Jacobson, Jake (Dominique) Weber, Chris, Sam, Ben, Nick, and Lizzie Jacobson, great-grandchildren Reid Marshall and Levi Weber, sisters Alice Kleist and Helen Banzhof, brother Bill (Valerie) Jacobson, sister-in-law Barb Jacobson, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents Harold and Grace Jacobson, parents-in-law Art and Lenora Jacobson, grandson Logan Jacobson, brothers Vernon and Gary Jacobson, sister Margie Enerson, brothers-in-law Ken Enerson, Marv Banzhof, and Gene Kleist, sister-in law Ruth Jacobson, niece Rhonda Junge, and nephew Dan Enerson.

A visitation will be held from 9-11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 30, 2023 at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown, 920 Third Street, Hudson, WI 54016. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with military honors and a lunch to follow. A burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.