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Mark Jacobsen Obituary
Mark E. Jacobsen passed to be with our Lord on March 29, 2011. Mark was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 4, 1948. He leaves his mother Jacqueline Jacobsen and twin brother Paul, both of Olympia, a sister Nancy Marshall of Woodinville, nephews Rob and Rick Marshall and Danny Jacobsen, and a niece Michelle Ramos. He was preceded in passing by his father, Jack "Jake" Jacobsen.
Mark grew up in a military family, moving throughout the U.S. and living in France and Germany. He graduated from St. Martin's College in 1974 with a B.A. in psychology and worked most recently for the Department of Labor and Industries in Tumwater. He retired last April 1.
Mark grew up with a disability, cerebral palsy, but never let it get the best of him. He lived his entire life with a positive and caring attitude, one that will be sorely missed by friends, co-workers and family. Mark was an avid collector of not only memorabilia, but stories and unique experiences. He himself was unique, and irreplaceable.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at Mills & Mills, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW. Tumwater, WA 98512 on Saturday, April 2nd at 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Jacobsen
Ted and Jan Patch
March 24, 2019
Hi Mark,
Ted and I talk about our fun we had. Playing basketball with your cane. Sharing licorice out the car window with another vehicle of girls. Charlie McCarthy. Camping at
Alto Lake, and your feet hanging out of the back of the Volkswagon station wagon trying to sleep without your feet getting wet. Lot's of Memories still. Hope your still joking around, and making people laugh.
Ted and Jan Patch
Chrissy Pierce
October 23, 2011
Always with a pocketful of jokes, it was an honor to have an opportunity to work with him and speak with him. He is missed.
Rheo Aieta
April 10, 2011
I agree with Mark's four star rating given by family and friends--smiles, stories, spiritual, and special. My strongest memory of Mark is that despite his challenges,I never heard him complain.
Jerry Guy
April 9, 2011
I just learned this evening of the passing of my dear friend Mark. He was a shining light in this life and a man whom I am honored to call my friend. This world is a lesser place because of his passing, but he left a treasure trove of smiles, love and wonderful memories. Rest in peace My Friend.
April 5, 2011
Mark and I were former brothers-in-law. He always made me smile and we loved to pull joke on each other and other people.
He also did a great Kirk Douglas!!
I will miss you buddy..now make all the of heaven laugh.
Craig Van Kessel, Phoenix, AZ
Kristine (Graham) Smith
April 4, 2011
Our family has very fond memories of Mark and appreciated his sense of humor and gift of a smile. He will now bring that joy to the angels. God Bless you Mark.
Barb Hammer
April 4, 2011
Mark and I became friends years ago - too many to count. He loved riding in my little Honda wagon - it had this funny button on the top to open an air vent and he just couldn't stop messing with it. We laughed often. That is what I remember most. His family and friends are in my heart and my thoughts as they learn to live without him now.
Dennis Oborne
April 2, 2011
I met Mark my first day working for L&I, 5 years ago. He invited me to join him and some "friends" for lunch. This turned out to be a regular lunch for the next 4 years, at the "voc" table, where jokes and work's oddities meet with stories (some true), relections and a lot of humor. Mark's decision to retire last year was somewhat of a shock, considering how quickly it happened once the decision was made. I can see now he made the right decision and I'm happy he was able to enjoy retirement, if only for a short while. The "voc" table has faded away since Mark left, but we all still have the momories of the many zingers and groaners and of Mark's standard green salad, fruit salad, cottage cheese and diet Pepsi (the Pepsi might often disappear before Mark looked for it after finishing everything else) and can look back and grin from the memories. Thanks for being a friend Mark!
April 2, 2011
Mark lived his life with just grace, humility, and joy. He truly lit the room up when he entered. There is a hole in my heart for this gentle man. I will miss you sweetheart. Hugs in heaven. Diane Miller
Daniel Jacobsen
April 2, 2011
I would like to tell everyone that if you knew my uncle when he came into a room he always had a smile on... He was the guy with the laugh that made you laugh along with him. He always had a joke no matter how bad it may have been there was always something to laugh about. He touched so many people’s lives and truly was such a great Uncle. My only Uncle. Losing someone so close to you is a incredibly hard thing to do. So many people have expressed their sorrow. Allot of his friends and family did not get a good chance to say goodbye but no one ever really does. I visited him and I would always sit in the chair next to him and hold his hand. Hours before he passed I went to visit with him. At this point he could not close his eyes talk or really respond to anything. I took the chair next to his bed and sat with him as I tried not to cry and show how scared I was. They said he probably wont be able to hold your hand but I put mine out there anyways. He built up enough strength to take his wo fingers and gently hold my fingers. I love you so much and I will miss you forever...
Lori Schneider & Famil
April 1, 2011
Mark was blessed in life with his wonderful personality and positive thinking. We're certain the angels rejoiced, when he entered heaven. He is pain and disability free with the wings he takes flight in. Blessings to the Jacobsen family and to our friend, Paul.
Kathy Weber
April 1, 2011
I was always touched by Marks caring spirit & authenticity When he asked me "How are you?", he really was asking. Thinking of Mark makes me smile - and my wish is that the good memories of his spirit will live on in the lives he touched.
Nancy Polson
April 1, 2011
Across the miles and many years... I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. He will always hold a special spot in my heart, as Mark and my son, Max, share a birthday, March 4. Mark said it was a good day!
Aloha'oe and A hui hou kakou.
Todd Wiley
April 1, 2011
For a number of years Mark was the Preferred Worker Program specialist at L&I. A few weeks ago a former preferred worker called with questions. He asked if Mark was still with L&I. I related that Mark had retired about a year ago. The caller responded, "Mark went to bat for me and really helped me out when times were tough. I'll never forget that. He's the best in my book!"
Todd Wiley
April 1, 2011
Mark had a great sense of humor. And he always had a joke he wanted to try out on you. My favorite: [Straight man]:"Hey Mark, whatever happened to that guy that fell into the reupholstery machine?" [Mark]: "Totally recovered."
Lu Carlson
April 1, 2011
I will always remember Mark's smile and great sense of humor. Depsite his illness, I never heard him complain. He kept a positive outlook until the end. You showed us how to live. Thanks buddy!
Kathryn Hudson
April 1, 2011
Mark was part of the the original vocational community in Washington State. All of us in this small group hold a special spot in our hearts for Mark. Mark will surely be a hit in heaven. Rest in peace.
Lu Carlson
April 1, 2011
I will miss Mark's smile. Every time I think of him I see him smiling. Despite his illness, I never hear Mark complain. He managed to keep a positive attitude until the end. Thanks so much for being my friend.
Bill Kartman
April 1, 2011
I lived with Mark and Paul back when we were in our 20's. I will never forget either of you guys. Mark was an avid fantasy baseball and basketball player and I'm sure he will be present in some fashion at the next fantasy draft. /Bill Kartman
Bill Kartman
April 1, 2011
I lived with Mark and Paul back when we were in our 20's. I will never forget either of you guys. Mark was an avid fantasy baseball and basketball player and I'm sure he will be present in some fashion at the next fantasy draft.
lary glen anderson
April 1, 2011
not only was he my friend but my brother, he always told me to have fun and do what makes you happy, so me and mark and paul did just that when doing elvis shows or anything we did. i love ya man, see you on the other side.... lary glen anderson las vegas
March 31, 2011
Mark taught me so many things. Why it's important to crawl around the bleachers at the horse races to try to find discarded winning tickets. And most importantly--have more fun and not be so darn serious all the time. I'm thinking about him a lot and will miss him. Sorry I won't be there with all of you at the service Saturday. We're all going to miss him. To Mark--a man worth knowing and a friend worth having.
Cathy Whiteman Rasmussen
Janet Ikeda
March 31, 2011
Although I only worked with Mark for about 10 months, our friendship was bonded for life. He always made me laugh and I tried to do the same for him. It is with great sadness that we had to let Mark go, but with a smile on our face we will remember him. In the immortal voice of Marilyn Monroe,(and blond wig of course), I will bid my final adieu.
Kelly Callahan
March 31, 2011
It was always a pleasure to work with Mark. He was humorous and took care of business at the same time! Mark will always have a fond place in my memories for him!
Mary Kaempfe
March 31, 2011
Oh, how we miss Mark. He was the heart of the "Linderson Family" lunch bunch.
sue dugan
March 31, 2011
mark would come into my store once and while, always pleasant with a great smile, sorry for the loss, sue dugan
Mark Holm
March 30, 2011
Saw Mark rolling by all the time at work. Always cheerful and tried to make others feel good (and did). A great person to have here on earth and now the same for those in heaven. I am sad we don't have Mark around for us anymore but glad for those lucky people who have him in heaven!
Cheryl Conn
March 30, 2011
Mark always cheered me up. He was a friend I could call anytime. I will never forget dancing with him at a voc conference in Ocean Shores. Thank you to all the local area friends who were able to visit him recently. My heart goes out to all of Mark's family and friends; I know you feel the loss like I do.
Dave, Paul and Mark at Marks retirement party, April 2010
David Overby
March 29, 2011
Although Mark and I always battled to be the funniest guy on the planet, in the end, he won. I will miss him dearly. And just to be sure everyone knows....Mark never gave up.
Carol Kromer
March 29, 2011
I worked with Mark and he was always full of a smile and a joke. I loved to see him stop by and share a story. He was a great guy and he'll be missed.
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