William (Bill) Jacobsen, of Middleton, WI, died peacefully at his home on July 6, 2022, with family by his side. He was 94.

Bill was born May 20, 1928, in Racine, WI, the son of Danish immigrants, Margrethe and Soren Jacobsen. He served twice in the Army, first enlisting as a young high school graduate and serving in Japan, and then again as an ROTC officer stationed in France post-graduation from UW-Madison. It was at the UW he met Marilyn Ortman, and they married in France in 1953.

He founded Jacobsen Construction Company and was an award-winning custom home builder, earning the Wisconsin Builder of the Year Award in 1969. In 1972 he was elected president of the Wisconsin Builder’s Association. He later expanded his business to include Jacobsen Apartments. A life-long learner, he returned to the UW for a master’s program where he developed plans for, and then built, self-storage facilities. He stepped away from his business endeavors only recently.

With Marilyn, Bill built a strong and stable foundation for his family. In addition to Marilyn, his beloved wife of 68 years, he is survived by his son, Kurt Jacobsen; his daughter, Jill Jacobsen; his daughter-in-law, Suzanne Shoff; and his son-in-law, Seth Pappas. He was preceded in death by two children: Susan and Richard (Rick). In addition, he leaves four devoted grandchildren, Will and Zoe Pappas, Audrey Jacobsen, and Anna Jacobsen-Gotch.

Bill was a man of few words. He led by example. His life was one of hard-work, steadfastness, curiosity, and decency. Throughout his life he demonstrated good humor, generosity, and kindness, and even in his last days, a deep gratitude for his many blessings. In the end, he was blessed with a gentle death.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

William Jacobsen

May 20, 1928 - July 06, 2022

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