Edward Jacobsen Obituary

Edward "Ed" Jacobsen, age 94, a resident of Franklin Grove, IL for 12 years, passed away peacefully on Monday October 13, 2025.
He was born October 27, 1930 in Chicago, IL, the son of Erling and Lillian. His parents were Norwegian so he spoke fluent Norwegian growing up. Ed graduated from North Park Academy Junior College in 1950 and served in the US Army for 2 years. He then attended DeVry Technical Institute receiving his FCC first class Commercial License.
Ed opened the first Electronics Shop in Northwestern University. It was there that he met the love of his life, Waldtraut "Anne". They were married almost 50 years before she passed away in 2003. They lived many years in Wilmette and Northbrook, IL before they moved to Lodi, WI upon his retirement.
Ed was an Electronics Sales Engineer and National Sales Manager for 30 years. He was a life member of the Mensa Society, a member of the Optimist Club and a Scoutmaster for many years as well.
Ed loved fishing and had a wide range of fishing and camping stories he loved to tell. He was an avid train (and model train) enthusiast and enjoyed sharing his memories of living with the steam engines in Chicago when he was a boy. Ed built many model airplanes and ships from blueprints, which is a skill he learned from his grandfather. He was happy to fix anything anyone brought to him (including his grandkids' broken toys.)
Ed played piano (even 4 handed with his wife Anne) and taught himself to play the mandolin in his retirement. He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to read in his spare time.
He loved a good (or even a bad) joke. Those who knew him will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter. Ed had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and spent many fun filled hours with them.
Ed is survived by two children Karen (Douglas) Johnson of Geneva IL and Ronald (Denise) Jacobsen of Winnebago IL, five grandsons Gregory (Stephanie) Johnson, Andrew (Tamara)Johnson, Jeffrey (Andrea) Johnson, Erik Jacobsen, Kurt (Erin) Jacobsen and 9 great grandchildren, Theodore,Timothy, Daelen, Mylo, Christopher, Liam, Jessa, Jackson, Maxwell.
He is preceded in death by his wife Anne and brother Karl.
Burial of Cremated Remains will take place at Garden Bluff Cemetery in Lodi, WI, at a later date.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.
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