Merrill Jacobson

Merrill Jacobson, son of Carl and Rose (Beausoleil) Jacobson, was born January 27, 1925, in Crookston, MN, where he grew up and received his education. At age 16, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served during World War II, from 1941 until his discharge in 1945.
After his discharge from the service he worked at Technicolor Motion Pictures in California. He then worked for railroads in California, Oregon, North Dakota and Minnesota.
In 1953, Merrill moved to Breckenridge, MN, where he worked for the Great Northern Railway and later the Burlington Northern. Merrill married Mary Lillie Hamann on September 30, 1954, at Pequot Lakes, MN. After their marriage they lived in Breckenridge and operated Earl's Hotel and M and J Apartments.
In 1971, they moved to Moorhead. Merrill continued to work for the BN Railway until he retired in 1986. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the United Transportation Union, VFW Post #1224 and American Legion Post # 0021.
Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, who died June 17, 1990, a brother, Kermit, and a sister, Evelyn. Jake died in his home in Moorhead on Aug.16, 2004, at the age of 79.
Jake is survived by his close friend, Mildred Weiss, Moorhead; a sister, Joan Thompson, Kokomo, Indiana; daughters, Kathy (Leo) Thomsen-Vipond, Menomonie, WI, and Cindy (Joel) Frojen, Fargo, ND; sons, Scott (Reba) Mathern-Jacobson and James Jacobson, both
Jake was a man of strength. He was proud that he freed himself from tobacco and alcohol use. He had a great sense of humor and was a real handyman who loved building things.
A memorial service for Jake will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2004, at 2 PM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead. He will be inurned at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Tenney, MN.