Carole Jacobson

Carole Jacobson

May 29, 2026

Obituary

MIDDLETON / NAPLES, Fla. - Carole Joan Jacobson, age 83, died peacefully with her three children by her side on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Naples, Fla. She was born on February 6, 1943, in Port Huron, Mich., the daughter of Ralph and Leona (Mills) Moore.


Carole graduated from Port Huron High School in 1961, and she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Madison Area Technical College in 1983. She was united in marriage to Michael Jacobson on April 13, 1991, in Madison, Wis.


Carole was a dedicated stay-at-home mother while raising her children and later enjoyed a successful 20-year career as a dental hygienist serving patients in Madison. While Carole spent much of her adult life in Middleton, Wis., she developed a deep love for Naples, Fla., where she spent 20 winters and eventually became a full-time resident for the last 13 years of her life. She always loved living around water - growing up on Lake Huron, spending many years around the Madison lakes, and finally enjoying the ocean in Florida.


Carole loved staying active and embracing life’s adventures. She found great joy in spending time with friends and pursuing her many interests, including golf, yoga, skiing, playing bridge, and participating in fitness classes. An avid traveler, Carole explored destinations throughout the United States and abroad. She was a Wisconsin Badgers fan and enjoyed cheering them on. She generously shared her time and talents as a member of the Junior League and as a volunteer with Avow Hospice in Naples. Carole’s faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and community attending church in both Madison and Naples.


Carole’s positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all who knew her. As her children’s and grandchildren’s most devoted cheerleader, she celebrated their successes and found her greatest happiness in their joy. She lived life fully and with purpose, touching others with her kindness, gentleness, and love. She had a beautiful gift of bringing people together and hosting wonderful holiday gatherings for friends and family alike.


Carole is survived by her children, Holly (Carter) Balfour of St. Paul, Minn., Hilary (John) Simkins of Philadelphia, Pa. and Theodore “Teddy” (Sara) Parker of Andover, Mass.; stepsons, Mark (Wendi) Jacobson of Brooklyn, Wis. and Todd (Jackie) Jacobson of Oconomowoc, Wis.; grandchildren, Adeline, Oliver and Phoebe Balfour, Maxwell and Oscar Simkins, Tyler, Ellie and Lucy Parker, Melanie, Ashley and Chloe Jacobson, Emily (Casey) Reimer, Justin (Jess) Jacobson, Natalie Jacobson and Daniel Jacobson; sister, Sandy Moore of Manassas Park, Va.; and nephew, Adam Tash of Barcelona, Spain.


Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Jacobson; parents, Ralph and Leona Moore; and nephew, Brendan Tash.


A memorial service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.


Special thanks to the caregivers at Chateau Moorings Park and the Avow Hospice team in Naples for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Carole.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Avow Hospice (avowcares.org) or Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


Events

20
Visitation
Sat Jun 20, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Bethel Lutheran Church • 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703
20
Memorial Service
Sat Jun 20, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Bethel Lutheran Church • 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703
20
Graveside Service
Sat Jun 20, 2026 @ 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Resurrection Cemetery • 2705 Regent St., Madison, WI 53705
No photos of Carole have been shared yet.
AJ
A Memorial Tree was planted for Carole Joan Jacobson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
GP
Gary Prisbe
Other •
It is because of her dear departed husband, Mike, that Sharon and I were able to meet and enjoy Carol's hospitality and company. She was a wonderful, sweet lady who will be missed. We are saddened to learn of her passing and offer our deepest condolences. Gary Prisbe and Sharon Makowski
BS
Bev Sluka
Other •
To Ted,the girls,and their families. It was a special day when Carole joined our family when she married our cousin Mike. We have many wonderful memories of our gatherings for holidays. She was a delight to be with, great hostess, and a super cook. We will miss her very much. With love, Bill&Bev Sluka and Mary Ann Smith

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