Merle W. Jacobson

Graveside Services for Merle W. Jacobson will be conducted from the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend David Sites, officiating. Interment will be in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army National Guard Honors Team.

Merle Wayne Jacobson, 85 years of age, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2009 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Merle was born September 14, 1924 at Funk, Nebraska, the son of Oscar E. and Myrtle L. (Swanson) Jacobson. He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Axtell, Nebraska. He received his primary education from District #56 in Phelps County and then graduated from Holdrege High School.

Following his education, Merle served his country in the United States Army in the European theater with the 90th Infantry Division, 3rd Military Government regiment during WW II and was wounded at Luxembourg, Germany. He was decorated with several medals including: the combat infantryman's badge, the EAME ribbon with three bronze service stars, good conduct medal and victory ribbon and the Purple Heart. Merle was Honorably Discharged on May 1, 1946. He loved the labor of the land and engaged in farming his entire working career until his retirement due to his health.

Due to declining health, Merle made his home at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, where he resided until his passing. He was a member of the V.F.W.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Vincent Jacobson; four sisters: Rosalie Jacobson, Eileen Hoover, Loretta Cole and Elvera Larson.

He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews including: Allen Cole and his wife, Romaine of Omaha, Larry Jacobson and his wife, Connie of Holdrege, Marilyn Swindell of Omaha, Ron Larson and his wife, Arlys of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Doris Hanson and his wife, Sherrod of Loomis, Nebraska, Myrtle Simmerman and her husband, Dick of Overton, Nebraska, Carol Reeves and her husband, Rock of Red Wing, Minnesota, Faye Reeves and her husband, Doug of Omaha; and a host of great nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.