Gerald A. Jacobson

Gerald A. Jacobson, 85, of Eau Claire, died Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Syverson Lutheran Home. He was born in Stanley, WI, on July 16, 1929, the eldest son of James and Clara (Smeland) Jacobson. Jerry enjoyed a small-town boyhood and graduated from Stanley High School in 1947. Unsure of his next step, he joined the U.S. Army and served with the occupation forces in Japan from 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1951. He returned to attend UW-EC, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1956. He started his education career teaching history at Menomonie High School. Jerry married Sandra “Sonnie” Ostrom on December 22, 1956, in Barron, WI. Together they spent four summers in Madison, where Jerry earned his master’s degree in 1960. He completed additional graduate studies in school administration at UW-Madison, University of Minnesota, and Stanford University. Jerry then worked for the Wausau School District as a teacher, guidance director, principal and Director of Secondary Education. After moving to Eau Claire in 1970, Jerry worked at Chippewa Valley Technical College. As Assistant Director for Student Services, Jerry found special satisfaction helping non-traditional students return to school. After he retired in 1990, Jerry enjoyed six years of service on the Eau Claire School Board. Jerry was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was also past President of the Chippewa Valley Personnel Association and a member of Kiwanis Golden K of Eau Claire. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, traveling, reading, and morning coffee and lunch with a great group of friends. He supported many sports teams, including the Old Abes, Blugolds, Badgers and Packers. He also spent many happy years with his family and countless hours enjoying his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staffs of Heritage Assisted Living, Azura Memory Care and Syverson Grace Gardens for their compassionate and understanding care of Jerry. Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sonnie; daughter, Jean (Doug) Gessl of Chester Springs, PA; son, David Jacobson of Denver, CO; two grandchildren, Fritz and Ava Gessl; brother, David Jacobson of Plymouth, MN; four sisters, Pauline (Don) Vader of Racine, Barbara Schmitt of Newport News, VA, Janet (Ken) Fremstad of Stanley, and Nancy (Roger) Orlady of Neenah; nine nieces and nephews; as well as many other cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Jacobson; parents-in-law, Rong and Addie Ostrom; sister-in-law, Carol Jacobson; brother-in-law, Fred Schmitt; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Sarah Semmler Smith officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 53. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire at a later date. Memorial requests should be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church; Wisconsin Public Television, Member Services, 821 University Ave., Madison, WI, 53706; or CVTC Jacobson Scholarship Fund, 620. W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI, 54701.

Service Information

Visitation

Monday, April 13 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Trinity Lutheran Church
1314 E. Lexington Blvd.
Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Monday, April 13 2015
11:00 AM

Trinity Lutheran Church
1314 E. Lexington Blvd.
Eau Claire WI 54701