David N. “Jake” Jacobsen age 87 of Darlington, WI, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018. He was born December 11, 1930 in La Crosse, WI, the son of Nels and Janie (Hanson) Jacobsen. The moment Jake laid eyes on Geri at the movie theater while in high School, he knew she was the one for him. Jake was then united in marriage to the love of his life, Geri Frontz on January 21, 1953 in Blanchardville, WI. After high school, Jake started driving milk truck for Harry Keister, Jr and L.J. Huntington. He began painting signs for businesses during World War II which took him to Menomonie, WI where his painting business grew. Once returning to Southwest Wisconsin, Jake continued to paint signs and worked as a parts Manager at McNett Chevrolet and later Ostby Motors as a sales person, where he earned many awards. He later started working for Al’s Trucking in Darlington where they sent him to Argyle to run the buses there. In 1982, he bought out the bus business in Argyle and continued to own and operate it until retiring and handing down his business to his son Bill in 1999. Jake also bought Shullsburg bus garage and operated that until 1993 when he sold it to his son Neil.
Jake is survived by his daughter: Melissa Ann “Missy” (Steve) Madden of Armstrong, IA, one daughter-in-law: Kimberlee Jacobsen of Shullsburg; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Geri; three sons: Neil Jacobsen; Paul Jacobsen; and Dale William “Bill” (Lisa) Jacobsen; and three sisters: Violet Johns, Alice Brecklin, and Grace Johnson.
Jake was a former member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington and a current member of Apple Grove Lutheran in rural Argyle, WI where he also held many offices, Pecatonica Valley Antique Club, and Lafayette County Historical Society. Jake cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren creating memories they will all cherish forever. He enjoyed art - especially painting, photography, old cars, traveling, family history, and sharing a cup of coffee with his friends at Irma’s Kitchen in Argyle every chance he got.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 10, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Apple Grove Lutheran Church (14501 Apple Grove Church Road, rural Argyle) with Rev. Traci Maass of Wiota Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Apple Grove Cemetery in rural Argyle. A visitation will be held Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church in Argyle. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Jake’s name.
