Kenneth Jacobson

Kenneth "Ken" Paul Jacobson, age 81, of Frazee, MN, passed away Monday, February 6, 2017, under Hospice care in the Community Living Center at the Fargo Veterans Hospital in Fargo, ND. Ken's health had declined, and his last 6 weeks were some of his most difficult.

Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m., and prayer service to follow. Military rites will be provided by the Heart O' Lakes V.F.W. Post #7702, Frazee. Burial will be made at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Ken was born on Frazee's Bunker Hill on Saturday, April 6, 1935, to Raymond and Doll (Lenius) Jacobson. He had a wonderful life, having graduated high school in Detroit Lakes in 1953, then graduating from the University on Minnesota, and later serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War and later in the Naval Reserve. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he joined the navy as an enlistee; after completing boot camp, he went to Officer Candidate School, entering the officer ranks as a Naval Ensign. He left the Naval Reserve in the late 1960's with the rank of Lt. Commander.

Ken joined the teaching ranks at Frazee High School as a long-term sub in the 1963-64 school year. That brought out his dedication to teaching; he continued in the teaching profession, enjoying a wonderful life working in education and supporting the various causes he believed in. After a few years at FHS, he joined the ranks of university instructors, teaching over the years at NDSU, MSUM and Concordia College in their teacher-preparation programs. He was a main developer of the Human Relations program used in pre-service and in-service for teachers throughout Minnesota.

Ken married Marlys Willits on December 27, 1966, at the Cathedral in Fargo, ND. Together they had five children and provided foster care for 12 years for approximately 50 teenagers. In his retirement years, Ken enjoyed grand opera and bingo. Throughout his entire life, he was an avid reader.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Doll Jacobson; brothers Floyd and Arden and an infant brother, Douglas; and brother-in-law, Duane Rasmussen.
He is survived by his wife, Marlys, and their five children: Jim Jacobson, Detroit Lakes, MN; Kirsten Lowry, Las Vegas, NV; John-Paul (Anna) Jacobson, Lino Lakes, MN; Joel (Jackie) Jacobson, Oklahoma City, OK; and Andrew Jacobson, Las Vegas, NV; 13 beloved grandchildren; sister, Karen Rasmussen of Frazee; brother, Darwin Jacobson of Detroit Lakes, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Furey Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Leave online condolences at www.fureyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Window Restoration Fund or Disabled American Veterans.