Dr. Theodore R. Jacobson passed away at Rapid City Regional Hospital during the afternoon of January 1, 2008, with his family at his side.
Dr. Jacobson was born and raised in Beresford, S.D. Following his graduation from Yankton College, he worked briefly as a chemist at Iowa State University. He then joined the U.S. Navy in October, 1943. After basic training at Naval Training Station, Farragut, ID and Officer Candidate School at Notre Dame, he was commissioned an Ensign, USNR. After completing amphibious training at Fort Pierce, FL he was assigned to the USS Suffolk, AKA-69. The Suffolk then transited the Panama Canal to join the W.W.II Pacific Theater where it saw wide action for the duration of the war, including both the Battles of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. Years later, Dr. Jacobson coordinated the first USS Suffolk reunion. Held initially in Rapid City, the reunion has subsequently been held in various cities throughout the United States.
After the war, he was discharged from the Navy in 1946 and resumed his education at the University of Minnesota and then at the University of South Dakota and University of Nebraska Schools of Medicine. During his senior year, he met his future wife, Wilma Keil, at Clarkson Hospital where she was in training as a Registered Nurse. After a brief tour as a company doctor at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D., he moved to Hot Springs and began private practice at the Butler Clinic. He and Wilma were married at the United Church in 1953.
Dr. Jacobson was a member of several organizations including the Shriners, Lions Club and the Hot Springs School Board. He enjoyed playing his trumpet for many years in Dixieland bands in both Hot Springs and Rapid City. He continued his private practice in Hot Springs for 45 years until his retirement in 1998 at the age of 77, but continued to care for veterans at the State Soldiers' Home for several more years.
He was predeceased by his sister, Miriam. He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma, his three children, Ted, Mike and Jane and his two grandchildren, Mike and Jenny. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and as a kind, caring and compassionate man who loved people. He healed and comforted wherever and whenever he was able.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday January 8, 2008, at United Churches in Hot Springs with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at 2:00 p.m., January 8, 2008.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Dr. Jacobson's name to benefit your favorite charity or organization.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com