Gerald Raymond Jacobson
August 02, 1958 - February 06, 2019
Obituary
WAUNAKEE - Gerald R "Jerry" Jacobson, age 60, passed away in the loving arms of his wife and family on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at Agrace Hospice Care, after a hard-fought and courageous battle with Glioblastoma. He was born on August 2, 1958, at Fairchild Air Force base in Spokane, Washington; the son of Donald and Edna (Johnson) Jacobson. Jerry married Kathleen Pranke on May 10, 1986, at St. Mark's Lutheran in Jefferson, Wisconsin.
Jerry served in the U.S. Navy, where he learned a variety of technical skills. He worked as a Data Systems Technician in the Navy for many years. During his service he received the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. From 1983 until 2013 Jerry worked for the State of Wisconsin, working in Computer Desktop Support for the Department of Workforce Development. Afterwards he worked at Nord Gear in Waunakee through 2015.
Jerry spent many years as a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee. During this time he worked as an audiovisual technician. Through Jerry's efforts and guidance the church gained its first sound system. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW.
Throughout his life, Jerry was a true sportsman; enjoying softball, golf, and bowling. He bowled his first 300 game at the Waunabowl in Waunakee, which lead to him being featured on the Channel 3 news. Jerry looked forward to his golfing trips to Florida, and anyone who golfed with him knew that he had an amazing swing. He was also a phenomenal cook and supported his community by volunteering with the Lion's Club and American Legion.
Jerry is survived by wife, Kathleen Jacobson; daughter, Megan (Scott) Hebel; grandchildren, Macyn and Ronan Hebel; son, Ben Jacobson; looking forward to a new granddaughter; mother, Edna Jacobson; brothers, Mike (Julie) and Mel Jacobson; brother-in-law, Bob Hauser; goddaughter, Hannah Thies; and many extended family and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Jacobson; and sister, Annette Hauser.
A Memorial Service will be held at PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 701 S. Century Ave., Waunakee, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Memorials in Gerald's name may be made to Peace Lutheran Church to help improve the sound system or to the National Brain Tumor Society.
Events
Visitation
Sat Feb 16, 2019 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Peace Lutheran Church (Waunakee) • 701 S Century Ave, Waunakee, WI 53597
Memorial Service
Sat Feb 16, 2019 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Peace Lutheran Church (Waunakee) • 701 S Century Ave, Waunakee, WI 53597
Photos
No photos of Gerald have been shared yet.
Memories
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William Ballhorn
Other •
First, allow me to say I'm very sorry for your loss. Jerry worked for me in tech support at Dept. of Workforce Development. I've stated on more than one occasion that he was the best "hire" I ever made. He was competent, dependable and good humored in a job that was very stressful and required excellent people skills, which he had in abundance. My favorite memory of Jerry is of one day when he was late for work, a most unusual occurrence. When I asked what had held him up he replied that he was up late after bowling a 300 game! Of course I congratulated him, but he said that he was a little sorry that he had done this so early in life because now all he had left to do was to get a hole in one! I'm sorry he never did. He was a good man and a good friend - he will be missed, but not forgotten...
Bill Ballhorn
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Jim Zantow
Other •
KATHY, so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I greatly enjoyed the times spent playing softball and fishing with him and the guys from the team up north. He always had a beaming smile on his face. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Jim and Jane Zantow
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Diane Griffin
Other •
This is such sad news. I worked with Jerry at the Dept. of Workforce Development for many years. My deepest condolences to the family. He was a good person and great to work with. God bless your family.
KM
Karen Morgan
Other •
So very sad to hear about Jerry's passing. I worked with Jerry at the Department of Workforce Development for many years.. He was such a great, kind, caring man, with a great sense of humor, who always went out of his way to take care of our computer problems. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Shirley Everson
Other •
Kathy So sorry to hear about Jerry. I worked with him pre-DILHR. Not sure if it was Sorbus, Bell Atlantic or DecisionOne Corp. (kept changing our names.) I remember when I would send him a call to take, he always let me know he "was on his way". Hugs to you all. Shirley Everson
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Mary A. Cirilli
Other •
I am sorry about Jerry's death. I appreciated when Jerry came to help me with a computer problem. He always treated me kindly and with respect with a problem I was very ignorant about. He had that little smile on his face, and he fixed my computer problem. Blessings to his family for their great loss.