Donald J. Jacobson

Donald J. (“Jake” and “Ole Papa”) Jacobson, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Hospital surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on April 12, 1935, in Topeka to John and Catherine (O’Connor) Jacobson. He grew up in the Delia community and attended school in both Sacred Heart and Rossville High School, graduating in 1953.

He met Genevieve Andrick while attending high school in Rossville and they were later married on September 11, 1954, in St. Marys. After high school, Donald served his country honorably in the Kansas National Guard.

Donald worked for a short time as a lineman for the Santa Fe Railroad before taking a permanent job at Goodyear Tire and Rubber factory in Topeka. He worked there for over 40 years, including many years as an area manager in the Banbury department.

After retirement, he pursued one of his bucket list dreams and took a role as an usher for Notre Dame football games. For over 16 years, Donald made the trek to South Bend, IN, and never missed a single home game. He started out at Gate D taking tickets but was promoted to the university level suites where he rubbed elbows with several celebrities including Rudy, Regis Philbin, Muhammad Ali, Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Montana, Chris Christie, Tommy Lasorda and many others.

Donald loved to run and participated in many marathons including the New York, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Pikes Peak, Las Vegas, and several other notable races.

Donald was a devoted family man and loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids. He was seen at most of their sporting and school events and coached sports for many kids teams. He and Genevieve opened their home to a foreign-exchange student, Macy, from Brazil, who they considered like a daughter.

Donald and Genevieve loved to travel, as a couple and with their children, and fondly remember their trips to places like Ireland, several Caribbean islands, London, Wales, and Scotland.

Donald is survived by his wife, Genevieve of Rossville, two sons, David (Connie) Jacobson of Topeka and Thomas (Angela) Jacobson of Lawrence; daughter, Robin (Jeff) Lampe of Topeka; 9 grandchildren, Gabriel (Cindy), Caitrin, Lydia, Locke, Emily, Joe, Dalton (Bailee), Darby, and Sam; and 3 great-grandchildren, Presley, Emma, and Tristan. He is also survived by 2 siblings: sisters, Dorothy Lloyd and Betty Lambotte.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Bobby Jacobson, Johnny Jacobson, Kay Wild, Rosemary Pauley, and Billy Jacobson, daughter, Debi Jacobson, and grandson, Dusty Bronaugh.

A funeral mass will be offered for Donald at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 11, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS 66604 with a luncheon following mass for family friends and guests. Private family burial will take place at Rossville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Capper Foundation or to Helping Hands Humane Society and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.