IRONWOOD, Mich. – Delbert Earl Jacobson, 78, a longtime resident of Wakefield, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Ironwood.

He was born on Dec. 23, 1933, in Ironwood, the son of Albert and Myrtle (Grenquist) Jacobson. Delbert graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1951.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea.

Delbert returned home and worked in area mines.

He graduated from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood in 1965, and Northern Michigan University in Marquette with a Bachelor of Arts in 1967. Del continued his education and earned a master's degree in elementary education in 1969.

Delbert taught at Central School in Wakefield from 1967 to 1990.

He was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, where he served on the church council. Del was a lifetime member of the Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673, one of the organizers of Range Old-Timers Softball League, and one of the educators who started the Camp Plagens and Camp Superior experiences for 6th grade students in the area.

Del enjoyed his Green Bay Packers, Detroit Tigers, camping, fishing, going to Arizona for 14 years and, most of all, watching his grandkids.

He was a very well respected, thoughtful and caring man. A nice guy, who battled rheumatoid arthritis for many years and through it all, his strength and determination amazed many people.

Family meant everything to Del; he would do anything for them.


On June 11, 1960, he married Nancy Isdebski at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer.

Delbert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Nancy; daughter, Kathy (Brandon) Makela, Wakefield; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Hayden; a brother, Merle (Polly), Bessemer; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Cutso Corullo, Bessemer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bernard "Bunny."

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at All Saints Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. Monday until the time of the service, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

Following the service, full military honors will be accorded by the combined VFW Post 3673, American Legion Post 27, VFW Post 9084 and American Legion Post 11 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately following the military rites.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam Blvd., Wakefield MI 49968.

The Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.