John Oscar Knud Jacobsen

PALM CITY, FLA. - John Oscar Knud Jacobsen, 66, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, Fla. John was born on July 24, 1940, to Oscar T. and LaDora (nee: Vaughan) Jacobsen in Milwaukee. Following John's graduation from St. Petersburg College in Florida and serving in the Army Reserve as a Medic, John worked as the Executive Sales Manager for Jacobsen Manufacturing in Racine, founded by his grandfather, Knud in 1921. In 1969, John moved with his family to Woodland Hills, Calif., where he continued his position with Jacobsen Manufacturing. Loving the outdoors as he did, John and his family then moved to Eugene, Ore., where he owned J and J Power Equipment. He was a member of the Eugene Executives, Trailer Sailors, and St. Mary Catholic Church. John was a caring, loving father, husband, and friend. He had a soft spot for animals and was known for rescuing many little "critters." His passion for life included flying his first plane at the age of 16, hunting with friends, camping, traveling, and reading. He loved sailing the open waters of the ocean, which brought him as much tranquility as it did thrill. He and his wife enjoyed a long retirement of 20 years living in Racine and Palm City, Fla. Those left behind are his wife, Helen of Palm City, Fla.; his daughter and son-in-law, Tina Jacobsen-Stephenson and David Stephenson and their son, Reed Stephenson of Portland Ore.; step-daughter, Kim Brady of Seattle, Wash.; step-son, Joe Williams of Palenville, N.Y.; three step-grandchildren; half sister, Jean Holcomb of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and his previous wife, Heidi Stephenson of Eugene, Ore. John was preceded in death by his son, John O.K. Jacobsen Jr. A Memorial service will be held at the Hanson Funeral Home in Racine on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Racine Zoo, 200 Goold Street, Racine, Wis. 53402.