Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Jan 3, 1945 - Dec 10, 2025 (Age 80)
She was a lovely woman and we were lucky to have her here at Red Oak Apartments. May she be at peaceful rest in the arms of God.
Rev. Frank McNeil
December 17, 2025 | SIOUX FALLS, SD | Friend
I first met Mary during catechism class when we were in grade school. She invited me into her big sprawling home for overnight visits. We graduated Lennox high school together in 1963 and in recent years have kept in touch around the table with other LHS gals for coffee and laughter once a month. Her sweet stories regarding her students will be missed.
Ruth Atkins
December 13, 2025 | SIOUX FALLS, SD | Classmate
Mary was such a sweet lady,we will missmiss her at Red Oak!
Ken Williams
December 13, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Mrs. Jacobson was my kindergarten teacher in luverne and I have lots of memories but one i will always remember was when she would make us purple cows. Which if someone doesn't know is purple soda and ice cream. So many prayers to her family and friends.
Kayla Evers
December 12, 2025 | Luverne, MN | Student
Rest in peace, you will be missed dearly
Jeff and Karen Hamerly
December 12, 2025 | Chilton, WI | Family
Oh my goodness...Mrs. Jacobson..my son, Lance, was in her preschool...we thought she was absolutely wonderful! Sympathy to family, may you feel God's comfort.
Lynne Haugstad
December 12, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD
Mary Kathleen Jacobson lived 80 beautiful, faith-filled years, and to say she’ll be missed doesn’t begin to capture the loss felt by all who knew her. Born on January 3rd, 1945, in Yankton, South Dakota, Mary was adopted by Leonard and Rebecca Hamerly. She grew up in Lennox, graduating in 1963, already carrying the quiet kindness and gentle spirit that would define her entire life.
In 1964, Mary married Clint Jacobson and lived in Sioux Falls with their three children—James, Bill, and Julie—while building a home anchored in warmth, laughter, and unwavering love. Whether in their home, with extended family, or at work, Mary created a sense of belonging wherever she went.
Mary felt a calling to help shape young lives. After working at Sioux Valley Hospital, she co-founded Happy Days Preschool and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Sioux Falls. Teaching kindergarten in Luverne, Minnesota became one her life’s great joys. She made her classroom a place where compassion, creativity, and joy flowed freely. Students adored her, parents trusted her, and colleagues admired her. She became a beloved member of the community and even served as President of the Luverne chapter of the Minnesota Education Association—a testament to her dedication and leadership.
But Mary's influence stretched far beyond lesson plans and school walls. She had a gift—an effortless way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Her kindness, compassion, encouragement, and gentle humor influenced and touched her family, friends, and hundreds of children and parents over the years. Even in little everyday interactions, Mary quietly made the world a better place. Everyone who met Mary felt her warmth. She could always sense when someone needed a smile, a big hug, or choice words of encouragement and gave them freely.
Her family will forever cherish the memories that painted her life so colorfully. She tried her best at cooking and baking, with her famous “secret recipe” vanilla wafer pie that everyone would encourage her to make for every special occasion. She was lovingly known as the Purple Grandma, a title she wore proudly because purple wasn’t just her favorite color—it was part of her identity. Mary loved playing cards and family games, and the laughter around the table, whether with friends or family, will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her.
Grateful to share in her life were her children, James, his three daughters, Alysa, Madeline, and Julia, and granddaughters, Aspyn and Avorie; Bill and his wife Jo, their two children, Shelby and Brady; and Julie and her husband Kevin, Julie’s son Kyle and his wife Jada Lunde, and Julie’s stepchildren Damon and wife Krystal and their children Jacey and Tayla; Jared; Kaylee and husband Adam, and their son Evan; and many special friends from childhood, school, community, and the Red Oaks Senior Living Apartments.
A Visitation will be held 5-7 PM, Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held 10 AM, Monday, December 15, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
The service will be livestreamed through the Holy Spirit Catholic Church website at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkV-Tld2_KAmMRTbZWtCOhQ
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