James Dean Jacobsen

James Dean Jacobsen (Jake), age 89, of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at Fairview Southdale Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Jake was born on January 25, 1936, in Minneapolis to Louise and Leif Jacobsen. He grew up in his grandparents' home near Lake Harriet, a place he loved, and where he learned to work hard. His strong work ethic continued into adulthood as he worked for Bachman's for over 50 years-loving the company he worked for, and enjoying trucking, landscaping, and commercial projects such as displays for the Dayton Flower Show in downtown Minneapolis, landscaping for the Masonic Home in Bloomington, and the original landscaping for Southdale Shopping Center.

Jake loved his work for Bachman's, but he was also marked by his love for his family and for everyone he met. As a young father of three, this looked like countless hours spent with his kids ice fishing and snowmobiling, making ice rinks in the backyard, teaching his kids to swim and water ski, taking his kids to work with him in his dump truck, trips to the family-owned resort in Alexandria, and picnics every weekend with the neighbors. As Jake's kids grew up, they cherished the childhood they were given. For Jake, eventually, the outdoor Minnesota activities with kids were exchanged for winters in Sarasota with his wife, Frankie. These times in Sarasota were filled with visiting family members and his Florida neighbors, all ready to sit and visit with him at the end of the driveway, swim, play shuffleboard, go to an event at the clubhouse, or travel to Siesta Key Beach.

Jake's life was full of loving the things that filled his days, and loving the people that were a part of those days. His happiness, thankfulness, and love for all people were constant-and for those he left behind, we are left realizing that these qualities that defined him are rare in this world, and are to be treasured. We will remember a life well lived, and hold dearly the times we were able to spend with someone who gave so much and expected so little.

Jake is preceded in death by his parents; his spouses, Mary Francis Jacobsen and Donna Mae Jacobsen; and his grandson, Jeffery Johnson.

He is survived by his children:

Jim (Sandy) Jacobsen, Jamie (Ron) Dahlen, John (Delmi) Jacobsen, Paul Johncox (Hilda Look), Vickie Johncox (Jeff Johnson), and Gigi (Nick) Halpaus, his devoted caregiver and dear friend for the last six years.

His grandchildren:

Jimmy (Emily) Jacobsen, Angela (Tori) Holt, Missy (Caleb) Saarela, Jess (Stephen) Bernard, Reyna Arias (Sam Gonzales), Katy Johncox (Brandon McKay), Amy Johncox, Mario Hernandez, Cindy Viana, Edson (Charlotte) Viana, Paulito Johncox, and Lauren Johnson.

He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

A funeral service will be held for Jake on Wednesday, December 17th at Minnesota Masonic Home Chapel, 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington. The service will begin at noon, with a visitation for one hour prior.