Donald Jacobs

Donald J. Jacobs, age 86, of Willmar, died Friday evening, Aug. 30, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. www.petersonbrothers.com

Donald Jerome Jacobs was born on February 17, 1933, in Beadle County, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Clara (Dressen) Jacobs.  He grew up on a farm near Huron (the youngest of 13 children), graduated high school and then attended business school.  Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War stationed in Alaska.  After his military service, Donald co-owned a Coast to Coast hardware store with his brother Ron.  On July 31, 1965, Donald was united in marriage to Kay Gwendalyn Erickson.  In 1966, they moved to Marshall where he managed Montgomery Wards.  In 1970, they moved to Minneapolis and Donald worked for the I.R.S.  In 1972, they moved to Willmar and retired in the late 80’s.  Donald was a member of the Church of St. Mary.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing and spending time at the cabin on Buffalo Lake in South Dakota.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay of Willmar, three sons, Tom (and Karen) Jacobs of New London, Jarod (and Becky) Jacobs of Big Lake and Jason Jacobs of St. Cloud; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Helen Jacobs of Sisseton, SD., besides other relatives and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings.