Obituary of Gertrude Jacobson

Gertrude Jacobson passed away peacefully, on Jan. 1, 2016, rounding out almost a hundred years of life. Gert was born in Freeborn, Minn., to Congregational Minister J. Martin and his wife Hilda (Moline) Peterson on Nov. 14, 1916. She was raised on a homestead near Glendive, Mont., with her siblings James, Roy, Ruth, Grace, and Arthur. Later the family removed to the village of Birnamwood, Wis., where she graduated high school. Gert graduated from River Falls Teachers' College in 1938 with a degree in education and art, and later studied at the University of Wisconsin. In 1940 Gertrude married Dr. Ferdinand C. Jacobson and lived in Chicago until Ferd began work in anesthesiology at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. Gert and Ferd raised seven children in Duluth. Gert was active in the Duluth community as an art teacher and as a community leader. She was a long-time member of the PEO Sisterhood and the Friday Club. She also energetically supported the United Way, Northwoods Children's Home, Pilgrim Congregational Church, the Family Service Society of Duluth, the Minnesota Charities Review Board, the Welfare Council of Duluth, the Depot Allocations Committee, the Art Institute Board of Directors, and the St. Louis County Medical Auxiliary. Later, she chaired the steering committee for the formation of the UMD University for Seniors. Gert was an accomplished watercolor artist, and while raising her family stayed connected with a small group of artists who became the founders of the Duluth Art Institute. She is quoted as saying "In this changing world, we desperately need creativity and new ideas. In other words, we need more artists to help us find a path forward. It is increasingly important to support and encourage the arts in our schools, our homes and our communities." Gert was recognized for her community service many times, including a Nomination for the Duluth Hall of Fame in 1978, a Nomination for Duluth Woman of the Year in 1977, Honorary Plaques from United Way of Duluth, and also from Family Service, the UMD Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award, and a Success Over 60 award in 1991 for her work with the University for Seniors. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents J. Martin and Hilda; husband Ferdinand; brothers James and Roy; sister Ruth; daughter Ruth; and son Paul. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Jim) Crawford, Ann (Louis) Jenkins, Jean, and sons Thomas (Laure) and Bryn, as well as seven grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. The family would like to thank Drs. Sproat and Kirchner for their excellent care, and the Diamond Willow-Lester staff for their caring and expertise during Gert's residence with them. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 31 in Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that contributions be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church.