John Rodney Jacobson

August 30, 1942 – August 1, 2026

John Rodney Jacobson, age 83, of Delano, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 30, 1942, John lived a life rooted in family, service, and always having a project to tackle. A quiet and humble man by nature, he expressed his love not through words alone, but through the countless ways he showed up for the people he cared about. Whether fixing something around the house, lending a hand to a friend, or simply being present, John was happiest when he was helping others.

John spent much of his career in purchasing before following his entrepreneurial spirit and founding Jake’s Handyman Service. It was work he truly enjoyed, using his talents to help families with their homes and earning the trust and appreciation of so many along the way. If someone needed a tool, John not only had it—he probably had three.

Music also held a special place in his heart. Some of his happiest memories were made singing with the Minnetonka Clippers barbershop chorus, where he shared his love of music and camaraderie with lifelong friends.

In 1994, John and his wife, Sandy, purchased a lot at Sherwood Forest Campground near Garrison, Minnesota. What began as a seasonal getaway quickly became a second home filled with treasured friendships and family memories. Before long, his brothers and sister joined the fun with places of their own, creating years of laughter, campfires, and togetherness. During retirement, John and Sandy embraced life as snowbirds in Okeechobee, Florida, where they built another wonderful community of friends.

Above all else, John’s greatest joy was his family. He adored his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, and they brought out his wonderfully goofy side. He loved telling Ole and Lena jokes, breaking into song while loading the dishwasher after Christmas dinner, and finding simple ways to make the people around him smile. Those everyday moments are the ones his family will cherish forever.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his daughters, Amy (Tony) and Cicely; his cherished grandchildren, Valerie, Meyer, and Cameron; and his sister, Lynn (Cole). He was preceded in death by his brothers, George (Kathy) and Larry (Kathy).

John leaves behind a legacy of generosity, quiet strength, and unconditional love. He taught those around him that the greatest gifts are often the simplest: showing up, lending a hand, sharing a laugh, and making time for the people who matter most. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Delano, Minnesota on Sunday, August 30th, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a brief dedication at 2:00 p.m. led by his daughters, Amy and Cicely. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate a life so well lived.

We will miss him beyond words, and we are forever grateful that he was ours.