John R. Jacobson, Jr.

John R. Jacobson, Jr., 78 of Alanson, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at home. Born on August 27, 1946, in Hancock, MI., the son of John R. Sr. and Mary (Smith) Jacobson.

In 1964, John graduated from Hancock High School. He attended Ferris State University, obtained a Bachelor Degree in air conditioning refrigeration and heating and also got his degree for Trade Tech Teaching. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, walking and feeding "his" birds. He loved cats and had many over the years-all rescues.

John served 26 years in the Navy between active and reserves. He loved talking about it and all the places he had been. 

In 1974 he started working at Little Traverse Hospital in Petoskey, MI which later became Northern Michigan Hospital in their maintenance department. He took care of all the environmental needs and equipment. He jokingly referred to himself as the "Keeper of the Cool." He retired after 37 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Brenda (Bischoff) Jacobson; his sons, Philip (Tammy) Jacobson of Rapid City and Gregory Jacobson of Petoskey; sisters, Carolyn House of Rochester, MN., Kay (Will) Schumacher of Ludington and Jenness (Darrell) Joque of Tacoma, WA; and a brother, James (Renee) Jacobson of Apple Valley, MN.and grandchildren Bethany Jacobson and Scott Jacobson of Rapid City, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Jacobson; in-laws, Willard and Mary Bischoff; sister, Sandy Jacobson; brothers-in-law, Jerry House and Louis Bischoff; sisters-in-law, Ginger Bischoff and Carla Bischoff.

A memorial gathering will take place in the spring. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors or to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society in Harbor Springs, MI.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.