Patricia Olson Jacobsen

Patricia Olson Jacobsen, 91

Rockford- Patricia Olson Jacobsen, 91, left this earthly realm on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in her daughter’s home with her beloved caregiver, Deb Hood, and her daughter by her side. She was born on April 10, 1924 in Pittsburg, PA to Raymond S. and Esther C. (Kinyon) Olson. However, when she was four years old, she moved from there with her parents to Chicago, and then grew up in Des Plaines, IL. She graduated from Main East High School in 1942 and went on to Greg Business College in Chicago. She met her future husband, J. Paul Jacobsen, while working as a secretary for International Harvester Company in Chicago. They were married on May 14, 1949 and shared 54 years together before Paul passed away in December, 2003. Patricia is survived by her only daughter, Karen (Steve) Zentz, of Rockford, her only granddaughter, Allison (Tom) Stern, of Machesney Park, and her two great-grandchildren, Tricia and William (Liam) Stern. Patricia has always cherished family ties. She and Paul left Florida in 1989, after living there for 15 years, so they could be closer to their daughter and granddaughter in Illinois.
It should be noted that Patricia has been an active member of a number of Lutheran Churches over the past 50+ years. Most recently, she has been involved with St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rockford and has enjoyed helping with vacation bible school and knitting prayer shawls. She, also, enjoyed learning more about her Scandinavian heritage, and was an active member and officer of the “Sons of Norway - Valhal Lodge” while she lived in Rockford. For many years, Patricia and Paul were, also, involved with the Danish Athletic Club and Danish Home in Chicago. Throughout the years, they both enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and other countries, especially after Paul retired in 1973. More recently, Patricia valued a deep friendship with Frank Wilson of Rockford for over 4 years until his death in August, 2011.
Patricia will be missed by her family and friends here on earth. However, she continues her life in the heavenly realm with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her gentle ways and compassionate spirit will always be remembered. A private visitation and memorial service will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61109. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61107.- Send online condolence to www.fitzgeraldfh.com