Orlin Jacobson

Orlin Edwin Jacobson, 85, from the Bismarck ND – McKenzie ND area, died February 27, 2018 at Sanford Emergency Center, due to complications from late stages of Alzheimer’s. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday March 7, 2018, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Wednesday March 7, at Parkway Funeral Service.  Burial will be at 3:00 pm on Wednesday March 7 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Orlin was born on the farm September 6, 1932 to Helmer and Marie (Bly) Jacobson at Maryfield, North Dakota (in Bottineau County and Renville Township). He was the oldest of two children and his sister Helen (Jacobson) Welch lived on the farm with their parents near Mohall, ND. He attended public schools in Mohall and Minot N.D. After finishing school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He completed his Navy training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of the training he was then commissioned on the U.S.S. Menard as an SK1 (Store Keeper Class A) and when he was honorably discharged where he ended his rank as an SK2. During his naval career he was award the National Defense Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. When he was officially discharged from the Navy the place of separation was at NAVRECTA San Diego, CA. In 1954, after his service was completed with the Navy he lived on Whidbey Island near Seattle Washington with his Aunt and Uncle James and Gertrude (Bly) Duncan and was employed by Boeing Aircraft. He eventually moved back to Minot North Dakota and began his employment for the Rail Road. In 1956, he wed his longtime sweetheart, Shirley Rae (Pilgrim) Jacobson at Lansford Methodist Church. Soon after their marriage he was employed by the State of North Dakota Public Welfare Board as an IBM Operator and later as IBM Operator Supervisor for over 32 years. He and his wife Shirley of 46 years had four children together Barry, Terry, Steph, and Kim. They lived East of Bismarck for over 50 years and after Shirley’s death in 2002 he continued to live there until 2012-2013 when he was diagnosed for early stages of dementia. He then moved into assisted living in Lisbon, ND where his youngest son Kim and Cheryl (Hoerner) Jacobson live and family. In August of 2017, he went to live with his daughter Stephanie (Jacobson) Sauers and Terry and family in Ekalaka, MT. From December 2017 until his death he lived with his oldest son Barry and his Fiancé Gail Haywood. In 2014, he lost his son Terry due to complications of dementia. Terry and Laurie (Harsche) Jacobson lived south of Bismarck and lived with Orlin during the flood of 2011.Orlin and Shirley enjoyed family history and genealogy. They became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They loved doing things with their children and grandchildren. They took many trips to the Black Hills, Medora, Yellowstone and Glacier Park. Orlin was an avid walker in which he would walk at Fort Lincoln and the State Capital Grounds. Orlin enjoyed his work as Treasurer of the VFW Post and being a bookkeeper for the LDS. He enjoyed telling stories of his time in the Navy, life on the farm and work. Orlin had many accomplishments and will be deeply missed by all. Rest in Peace Dad. Orlin is survived by his children, Barry (Gail Haywood) Jacobson, Terry’s wife, Laurie Jacobson, Stephanie (Terry) Sauers, Kim (Cheryl) Jacobson, his grandchildren; Heather (Mike) Baril, Justin (Jamie) Jacobson, Brandi (Brandon) Gruchow, Colt (Jenna) Jacobson, Shannon (Terry) Schutt, Ethan (Danielle Krank) Jacobson, Chelsea (Ross Friesz) Sauers, Nash Sauers, Austin (Crystal) Jacobson, Miranda (Chet Gebhardt) Jacobson, Logan Jacobson, and many great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Jacobson; son, Terry Jacobson; grandson, Chance Sauers; sister, Helen (Don) Welch; parents, Helmer and Marie Jacobson; and in-laws Ray and Rhoda Pilgrim. Orlin’s favorite saying was: “There are two kinds of people in this world ones that are Norwegian and ones that wish they were”   “We’re here, but not all there”