Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights
After suffering multiple injuries from a bike accident, Jerry passed away peacefully on September 19, 2020 at Regions Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Kristie and Karen (Mike) Perry; four grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Julian & Zoey. Jerry was born on August 24, 1941 in St Paul, MN and is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Avis. He worked at Inver Hills Community College as a professor of math and computers. Since retirement, Jerry traveled the world with Joan, tended his ever-growing garden, line danced, explored the outdoors, and, every day, was ready to do whatever his family needed. The family will hold a small, private service. Please do not send flowers. Memorials preferred.
A Tribute to Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Jacobsen
I want to start by recognizing how much Jerry meant to everyone that knew him. His welcoming and comforting presence was unlike any other. Jerry radiated calm. Jerry was selfless. Jerry was confident in his own skin. Jerry welcomed adventure. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, eating, and not spending money – at least on himself (wardrobe and eating out at the top of the list). Jerry was dedicated above all else to his family.
Some of Jerry’s favorite places were national parks throughout the country, including hiking and backpacking through the mountains. However, no place resonated with Jerry more than the Boundary Waters. Many of us here today followed him down trails as he carried the 90 pound canoe while we followed carrying the paddles.
Joan’s first time spending the night in a tent was with Jerry while on a trip to the BWCA.
In fact, on a month long honeymoon, Joan spent all but one night in a canvas tent with a single night in a reasonably priced motel.
Jerry would sit down for a lunch during garden season and enjoy fresh broccoli, pepper, and at least four tomatoes.
Jerry cooked bacon outside in the backyard to keep Joan’s kitchen clean.
Jerry loved to read books – lots of books – assuming they were purchased for a deal or checked out from the library.
Jerry would make sure to get in his daily exercise, even if a run took place ½ hour before his daughter’s wedding.
Jerry proudly wore t-shirts supplied by races – on bikes, on skis, on foot. Jerry wore clothes unlike any other.
After retirement, Jerry’s garden grew exponentially. So much so he expanded to Southern Minnesota.
Jerry was known to sit in the car in the heat of the summer for hours as his grandchildren played in the park.
Using skills learned in his time working for a moving company, Jerry was the key figurehead in many local and over one dozen cross-country moves.
Jerry loved to play games – to play cards – and Jerry loved to win. He may be the loudest and most animated game player ever. He was bound to startle newcomers until they knew what to expect.
Jerry liked to dance – he memorized over 400 line dances and there is a book to prove it.
He was a math and computer professor, dedicated faculty member for Inver Hills Community college, and later a math tutor for Noah and Caleb.
While Joan is known as the organizer, Jerry was actually the lead organizer for trips and parties. He liked to go places with people and to bring people together. The more the merrier was his motto.
While he was extremely careful with his day to day finances, he didn’t bat an eye at generously spending money on his kids and grandkids, and friends of his grandkids. Jerry would take his kids any and everywhere.
Jerry would also drive hours across states to attend his grandkids sports and performances. Sometimes doing a 10 hour round trip just to catch a soccer game or a concert.
Joan and Jerry travelled the world – much of it post retirement. From cruises, to driving, to flying. He even skied overseas. Took a cruise through China. Other countries included: Mexico, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Costa Rica, France, Austria – to be honest, too many to mention. They also went to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.
Jerry was also a dedicated son who took care of his mother – who spent nights on the floor and helped her as she journeyed to 104 years old.
Finally, Jerry was a dedicated and loving husband to Joan. They would play games together. He would win so much that Joan would sometimes not speak to him. But she will miss those nights. She will miss cooking and baking for him – all while using as much of his vegetables as possible. And, while she complains about it, she will even miss canning.
We have all learned from Jerry. We are all better for knowing him and loving him.
His sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts that will take a good long time to heal. But, Jerry would have us work to heal it. And he would have us do it together. He would have us play games together. To share food together. To go places together. To be together. And know that when we are together, he will always be there with us.