Merle D. Jacobson

BESSEMER, Mich. - Merle D. Jacobson, 78, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015.

He was born on May 13, 1937, in Bessemer, a son of Albert and Myrtle (Grenquist) Jacobson. Merle attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1955.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years.

On Dec. 28, 1963, Merle was united in marriage to Polly A. Hansen at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer. They made their home in Superior, Wis., and were blessed with a son.

He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and earned his bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1970.

The family relocated to Bessemer, when Merle was hired by the Bessemer Area School District. He taught fifth grade at Washington School for 29 years and retired in 1999.

Merle was a devoted member of Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where he served on the church council and worked on many projects.

Merle loved all things wild and spent countless hours in the woods bird hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed camping with his family.

Merle is survived by his loving wife of more than 51 years, Polly; a son, Mark (Dawn), of Rhinelander, Wis .; a granddaughter, Kristina, of Rhinelander; his sister-in-law, Nancy Jacobson, of Wakefield; his brother-in-law, James Matonich, of Bessemer; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bernard "Bunny" and Delbert; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William A. "Bucky" and Marguerite Hansen; and his sister-in-law, Barbara J. Matonich.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9:30-11 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Nancy Kauppi officiating.

Following the service, a flag presentation will take place at the church.

Lunch will be served at Kastman Hall at the church following the military service.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., Bessemer, MI 49911 or to a scholarship fund to be established in Merle's name.

The family wishes to thank everyone at the Villa Maria for their kindness and loving care that was given to Merle during his stay there. A special thank you to our faithful neighbors, Donald and Julie Kangas and Richard and Cara Matrella, for their thoughtfulness and support.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.