William R Jacobsen

April 04, 2023

William R Jacobsen

Service Details

William (Bill) Robert Jacobsen

William (Bill) Robert Jacobsen, 90, of Johnston, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family from complications of an aortic aneurysm on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Bill was born in Audubon County, Iowa on May 22, 1932 to Willie and Esther (Jensen) Jacobsen. He was raised on the family farm with his two brothers, Virgil and Allan. Bill and his family were active members of Immanuel Danish Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. Bill attended Audubon High School and excelled in basketball and football.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force, and served in the Military Police as a Staff Sergeant in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. Bill returned stateside and began attending Grand View College majoring in engineering. There he met Virginia Anderson and they fell in love and were married on June 25, 1955. Their love story continued for almost 68 years, and produced three daughters, Janice, Ann and Karen. He continued his education at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

After college, Bill began working in bridge construction for one of his uncles. He continued his career in bridge construction as a Superintendent for various contractors. He helped build many bridges and culverts in the midwest. On family trips, Bill would proudly point out the projects he had worked on and we would stop to admire them. Quite a few nephews and family friends also spent their summers working with Bill.

Bill and Virginia were active members of Grand View Lutheran Church, and he served in several positions on the church council including President and Property Committee Chairman. They have made many dear friends over the years in their church family.

Bill and Virginia also belonged to a card club for over 40 years with lifelong friends. Bill was an avid fisherman and went on many fishing trips with family and friends. He also liked to travel, play cribbage, fix things, help others and spend time with the grandkids. He designed and help build their home of almost 50 years.

Bill was a man of integrity, loyalty and service to others. He always looked out for his neighbors and friends. Bill had an easy smile and great sense of humor. When his family asked what gifts he wished for, Bill would always reply, "All I want is for you to be happy." He will be greatly missed.

Bill is predeceased by his parents; his brothers Virgil and his wives Alice and Janice, and Allan and his wife Blanche. He is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia; his daughters, Janice (John) Steingas, Ann (Craig) Hiemstra, and Karen (Mike) Jorgensen; grandchildren, Rachel (Andrew) Wright, Amy (Dan) Runge, Kristin and Evan (fiancée Ella Johnson) Hiemstra, and Nate, Luke and Matt Jorgensen; great grandson, Aleksander Wright; numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Grand View Lutheran Church, East 13th and Hull, in Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., a service at 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by a luncheon.

Memorials can be directed to Grand View Lutheran Church or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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