Wayne Allan Jacobson

Wayne Jacobson, 76, of Bismarck, ND, passed away at Sanford Medical Center on Friday, October 17, 2025. Funeral services for Wayne will be 11 am Central Time Friday, October 24, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5 pm - 7 pm with prayers at 6 pm Central TIme at Parkway Funeral Home, Bismarck.

On October 17, 2025, Wayne Allan Jacobson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and three children. After a courageous 22-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, it was time for him to reunite with his parents, Merle and Olga, and the many dear friends who had gone before him. Wayne left behind an imprint on everyone who knew him.

Wayne was born on May 23, 1949, in Rugby, North Dakota. From his father, he inherited a lovable personality, a quick wit, and an endless sense of humor; from his mother, a deep compassion, charisma, and a passion to help others. From an early age, Wayne loved sports and competition, always willing to play another game.

He playfully bragged about his athletic accomplishments, but nothing ever topped his favorite claim to fame: "five touchdowns in one game." After graduating from Valley City State University, Wayne began his professional journey as a history and PE teacher in Anamoose, ND. It wasn't long after that he met Ellen, the love of his life, on a blind date. During their wedding vows a year later, Wayne famously forgot his lines and instead promised to give Ellen "anything she wants." That promise turned out to be one he kept and it delivered a lifetime of adventure.

Together, they built a beautiful life in Bismarck, raising three children - Kari, Katie, and Tom. There were years of softball games and parking lot beers, backyard grill-outs, road trips, family vacations, kid's sports games, and countless stories retold over and over.

Wayne spent most of his career in finance with Investment Centers of America, where he built many lifelong relationships. His proudest title was always "Dad", and later, "Papa." The sound of his nine grandchildren running through the house, laughing and yelling, was music to his ears.

Wayne had a gift for making everyone feel like an old friend. Whether you met him once or knew him a lifetime, he made you feel seen, welcomed, and part of something special. This was his gift. Tough to describe, impossible to forget.

He loved chasing the Arizona sun in the winters, staying strong and young through his boxing workouts, and hosting friends on the back patio - where stories, laughter, and one more drink were always on the menu.

Wayne is survived by his sister, Nancy (Rick) Consdorf of Fargo; his wife, Ellen Jacobson of Bismarck; daughter Kari (Ryan) Weigel of Bismarck; daughter Katie (Nathan) Stewart of Bismarck; son Tom Jacobson (Alyssa) of Minneapolis; and his nine grandchildren - Sydney, Sadie, and TJ Weigel of Bismarck; Braelyn, Jaedyn, and Ashtyn Stewart of Bismarck; and Claire, Emmy, and Lucy Jacobson of Minneapolis.

Wayne's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and prayers shared by so many who adored him. The outpouring of memories and stories from friends near and far has been a beautiful reminder of the joy he brought to every life he touched. Wayne lived his life the way he wanted it, surrounded by good people and full of laughter and love. And that's exactly how he'd want all of us to remember him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Bismarck Parkinson's Support Group.