Harold D. Jacobson, age 92, of Brooten, died Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Belgrade Nursing Home in Belgrade, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, Nov. 2nd at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls, with Rev Steve Carmany officiating Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Rolling Forks Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.
Harold Dwayne Jacobson, son of Peter and Nanna (Jacobson) Jacobson, was born at home on the family farm in Rolling Forks Township, Pope County, Minnesota, on May 20, 1932. He was baptized and confirmed at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church, which later became Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He attended District 14 School through the 8th grade and then Brooten High School. On his first day in typing class he went to the last seat available and when he went to sit down, it was pulled away from him by "city girl", Harriet Otterness, and Harold landed on the floor. The poor "country boy" was so embarrassed at the time; he could never have imagined that one day she would be his wife. While in high school, Harold played baseball and basketball and participated in class plays, choir and boys' chorus. After graduation in 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce, serving from March 1, 1951 to July 23, 1953 when he was honorably discharged.
On July 11, 1952, Harold was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Harriet Otterness, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooten. They made their home in Great Falls, MT and Ogden, UT before moving back to the farm near Swift Falls where they started their family. On the farm, Harold had dairy cows, raised hogs and grew grain. He also made time for groups that impacted farming and the community, beginning with the American Milk Producers in 1957, when he was voted onto the Board of Directors and served for the next 27 years. He also served on the Brooten school board for 15 years, the Rolling Forks Township Board, Agralite Electric Co-op Board and Great River Energy Board. He was always active in his church, where, as a lifetime member, he served on the church council and as President. In his free time, Harold enjoyed bowling and singing with the Pope County Men's Chorus. He was a member of the Masons, the Shriners, and the American Legion, where he served on the honor guard. In 2004, Harold and Harriet sold most of their crop land. This provided Harold with time to do part time work for other local farmers and travel. He and Harriet were fortunate to be able to visit many states and the country of Norway, where they connected with Jacobson relatives.
As good as Harold's life was it was also touched by tragedy. He and Harriet were devastated when their four year old son, Neil, was killed in a car accident, and years later, a couple of fires resulted in the loss of their home and dairy barn. Most recently, they suffered the loss of two grandchildren at young ages. It was during these trying times that their faith in God carried them through.
In 2019, Harold and Harriet sold their farm and moved into Brooten, where they loved having family nearby. Harold remained active until November 2020 when a significant stroke left him with lasting mobility and communication issues, essentially ending his participation in many of activities he enjoyed. Despite the setback, he was still a jokester and visited enthusiastically with everyone.
Harold is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Harriet, of Brooten; their six children, Scott (Diane) of Brooten, Lorrie (Warren) Svor of Alexandria, Jeffrey (Leslie) of Benson, Brenda (Rick) Lintel of Brooten, Craig of Brooten and Michael of Brooten; his nephew, Bruce Jacobson; 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Nanna; one son, Neil; two grandchildren, Ryan Svor and Shawna Jacobson; his sister, Charlotte Westrude; his brother, Abner Jacobson; and his nephew, Kenny Jacobson.
To send online condolences, visit hoplinfuneralhome.com.
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