Arvild Jacobson passed into his Heavenly home on November 26, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in 1923, March 28 to Tom and Anna Jacobson. Arv had six brothers and three sisters. He was baptized into the Christian faith in his home church Bethel Lutheran in rural Sebeka, Minnesota in May 1923.
Arvild received education through high school in Sebeka, following high school he spent a few years on the farm since his older brothers were in the service. When he was able, he also joined the U.S. Army and was in the Occupational Services in Japan from 1946-1947. When he returned he attended Augsburg College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in history. After graduation he went to Luther Seminary in St. Paul and was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry in 1954.
Following his ordination, he and his wife, Leila Packard Jacobson spent one year of language study in Paris, France in preparation to serve the church in Madagascar. Arvild and his family spent 17 years on the ‘Red Island’ of Madagascar before returning state side to assume a parish ministry. He served for another 17 years in the parishes of Hannaford, Arthur and Northwood all in North Dakota. He also had interim positions as a visitation pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Arvild’s life is marked by his devotion to God and his ministry to preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was true in the parishes he served and also in the mission field. While in Madagascar his work was characterized by building churches and being able to do practical things such as installing windmills which provided clean water for many who had none. His characteristics showed him to be compassionate, humble, peaceful and patient. He was also comfort to those around him.
On December 31st, 2010, his wife Leila passed away after 63 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Paula Jacobson, son Daniel Jacobson, grandson Jeremy Rueckert, and great-granddaughter Georgia Rueckert.
He married Jo Fletcher on March 23, 2012.
Arvild is survived by his wife Jo, and his children Naomi Vincent (Dave Gessell), Gwinner, ND, Rolf (Rita) Jacobson, Sidney, MT, Lisa (Mike) Guillemette, Fergus Falls, MN, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services to be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, Arizona.
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Our prayers & deepest sympathy with the loss of your husband, father & grandfather. The heavens hold many special angels. God bless.
The greatest man I had the opportunity to call Grandpa. I will always remember watching Twins games in your den while smells of fresh baked apple pie wafted from the kitchen where Grandma was busy making them. Say hello to grandpa Joe for me. And give Grandma a huge hug and kiss from me and the boys.
Sorry to hear about uncle Arvild may god get you this time of grief for your family
Rolf, Rita & family. I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was a good man. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Rolf, Rita and family
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love Jay Heidi Harlee and Brylee
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Prayers and best wishes
Uncle Arvild was a pillar of our family. Being the youngest in his family he was often called upon to lead our gatherings with worship and always brought a clear message of salvation through Christ. He was a special man with a quiet spirit, a clear understanding of his responsibility to his family and church, a good sense of humor, always willing to give a helping hand and had a strong allegiance to the Minnesota professional teams,
His presence here on earth will be greatly missed by us all.
I was so sad to hear of Arv’s passing! What wonderful memories from Madagascar! You had beautiful parents and now they are once again together watching over you from heaven!
It is sad to know that Arvild has left this world, Yet I fully know that his enter into the next realm is marked with much joy as he greets his beloved Leila, and all his brothers and sisters.
So now I send a prayer and a blessing to you, his children and families. I know he is missed.
Love, Gwen Rust (who grew up on the farm a stones throw away from Tom and Annie’s farm.)
Our dear uncle Arvild. I echo Judy’s condolences. Well said. I’ll always hold a very special place in my heart for him. I don’t know, there was just something about him that you couldn’t help but love.
My you all find peace in knowing what a special man he was. He was loved by many.