Earl J. Jacobson

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Earl J. Jacobson, 90, was welcomed into his heavenly home on March 26, 2018. He was born on April 2, 1927, in Keweenaw Bay, Michigan on the family farm. He graduated from Baraga High School in 1945. Earl graduated from Suomi College in 1948. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1955. Earl served in the United States Marine Corps from 1945-46.

On Aug. 18, 1951, Earl married Ruth Fiscola, the love of his life. They were married for 52 wonderful years. Earl, a linguist enthusiast, shared his passion in the classroom for 34 years. Earl believed teachers helped shape lives. From 1950-1955 Earl taught English at the high school level in Gordon, Wisconsin and Washburn, Michigan. From 1955-1962, Earl taught English at L.L Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan, and part-time at Gogebic College. In 1962, Earl became a full-time English Professor at Gogebic Community College until he retired in 1989. Earl enjoyed working as a summertime news writer for the Ironwood Daily Globe from 1959-1966 and for the Iron County Miner in 1975-1976.

Highlights of Earl's career included serving as the president of the MEA (Michigan Education Association) Chapter of the Ironwood City Schools. He was one of the founders of the Michigan Association of Higher Education and served as the charter president. Earl was instrumental in the planning the move to the Mt. Zion campus. He served as chairman of all the committees that drew up the educational specifications for the Rutger Erickson Academic Building on the Mt. Zion Campus.

Earl also participated in church and community activities. He was a devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He served as a Sunday School Superintendent and was on the church council. Earl was the historian for the St. Paul's Centennial Historical Committee.

Earl especially loved to sing. He sang in the church choir and sang with the Ironwood Barbershop Chorus and Range Civic Chorus. Earl also appreciated nature and loved to garden. The legacy he left was one of honesty, faith, and love.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Zduniak, daughters Jeanine (Dan) Livermore and Anita Benes; his grandchildren Amy (Andrew) Amschler, great-grandsons Henry and Finn; Adam Livermore, great-granddaughter Bella; Stepheni (Nick) Curran, great-grandchildren Alexa and Zachery; Brandon (Samantha) Balcsik, great-grandchildren Alexis, Cameron, Amelia, Elianna and Penelope.

Earl is preceded in death by his cherished wife Ruth, his parents and eight siblings.

Friends may call at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S. Curry Street in Ironwood, on Thursday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral Service will be at St. Paul Lutheran at 11 a.m. with Rev. Nancy Kauppi officiating. Earl's life will be celebrated following the visitation and funeral.

For more information and to express online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com. Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements.

Earl's family would like to thank Pastor Robert Christman, Rennes Healthcare Center and their caring staff, especially RN Robin Jakubowski, and Heartland Hospice for their warmth and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gogebic Community College Student Scholarship Fund established by Ruth and Earl Jacobson in 1994.