Ronald Jacobson

RONALD JACOBSON

Cedar Rapids

Ronald Gene Jacobson, 61, of Cedar Rapids, was welcomed into his eternal home on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. Celebration of life services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at New Covenant Bible Church, located at 3019 N. Center Point Rd. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements. Ron's wish was to have others learn from him in the medical field by his choice to be an anatomical donor. Private family inurnment services will be at a later date.

On Nov, 25, 1952, Ronald Gene Jacobson was born to Mildred Irene (Miller) and Leo Jacobson of Fontanelle. In September 1972, Ron married Diana Jensen and soon welcomed home three daughters, Michelle, Melanie and Melissa. His daughters shared his other great love, second only to family, the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The family farmed until 1983, when Ron went to work for Bunn-O-Matic in Creston. Ron and Diana divorced in 1989 and in 1992 Ron welcomed his first grandchild, Kayla, and quickly became the best grandpa anyone could wish for. He since earned the title grandpa to Mackenzie, Colton, Courtney, Raleigh and very recently, Olivia.

In 2002, he received the grim diagnosis of carcinoid tumors and soon moved to Eastern Iowa to be closer to his grandchildren.

On Oct. 1, 2011, Ron married Patti Ashbacher and became a stepfather to Rachael, Rebecca and Steven. Ron and Patti enjoyed being a part of New Covenant Bible Church and volunteering in the community, fishing, boating, camping and square dancing as members of the CR Rapid Eights.

He leaves behind his wife, Patti; daughters, Michelle (Alan) Bennett of Solon, Melanie (Jason) Gross of Cedar Rapids and Melissa (Cory) Hodapp of Iowa City; stepchildren, Rachel, Rebecca, and Steven; his mother, Mildred of Fontanelle; brother, Bob (Tracy) Jacobson of Fontanelle; and sisters, Barbara (the late Dennis) of Ankeny and Brenda (Steve) Daniels of Cedar Falls.

He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Kayla and Raleigh, Mackenzie, Colton and Courtney and his newest, Olivia; nieces and nephews, Renee, Kristine, Shannon, Andy, Casey, Jodee, Andy, Eric, Debra, Tony, Chad, Mollie and Amy; many treasured cousins; and beloved friends, Jim and Betty Spangler, Dean and Wanda Deemer and Pam Bierl.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; his brother-in-law, Denny; cousins, Michael and Roger; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will also join his constant faithful companion in eternal life, Sheltie.

Ron will be missed by everyone he touched in his life. He was a constant positive, uplifting force.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the church and or to Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.