Jean Marie Roske Jacobsen

Jean Jacobsen.

DYSART — Jean Marie Roske Jacobsen, 98, of Solon and formerly of Dysart, passed away on October 6, 2021, at the Bird House Hospice Home in Iowa City. She was born on November 3, 1922, in Knierim, the eldest daughter of William and Ella (Deimel) Roske. She was raised in Knierim and later Ft. Dodge. After high school, Jean attended classes at Iowa State Teachers College and started her working career as a teacher. After relocating to Waterloo, she worked as a secretary for John Deere. Because of her beautiful penmanship, she was promoted to draftsman during the war, drawing designs for aircrafts. She married Glenn “Jake” Jacobsen on May 25, 1945, and were happily married for 69 years. Jean and Glenn raised 4 children on the family farm near Dysart and later moved to Dysart. She served as the school secretary for the Dysart school system and later as the Dysart City Clerk for many years. Jean always loved music. She and Glenn were wonderful dancing partners and especially enjoyed the Leo Greco Band. She had a beautiful singing voice and led the Zion Lutheran Church junior choir for many years. Jean played piano and organ, and in later years when her eyesight failed, would play songs from her memory. Her faith was very important to her and she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She loved to cook and was especially known for her delicious potato salad and kuchen which she made for various town events. She loved to play cards with friends and online. Jean was known for her smile and laughter, bringing cheer to all. She was active in the community and was one of the founding members of the Dysart Women’s Club. In 2010, Jean and Glenn moved to Iowa City to be closer to family. During the past 8 years, she lived in Solon’s Assisted Living, where she loved visiting with her “extended family” of employees and made many new friends. Jean was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her step-father, Charles Shirk; and 3 siblings, Bob, Doris, and Marge. Jean is survived by 2 sons, Glenn Michael (Barb) of Springfield, MO and Joel of Fayetteville, TN; 2 daughters, Mary J (Dan) Nace of Coralville and Kris (Ed) Gehl of Anamosa; and a half-sister, Fran Terry of Plain City, Utah. She was a beloved grandmother to Erich (Michelle) Jacobsen, Amy Reimer, Jennifer (Rick) George, Brad (Jenny) Nace, Karissa (TJ) Smith, Kelsi (Todd) Salter, Jason Gehl, Brian Gehl, and Doug Gehl. She adored her many nieces and nephews and her great grandchildren, Emily, Katy, Allison, Elle, Ava, Liam, Isaac, Nate, Micah, Ethan, Avery, Addison, Reid, Isla, Hudson, Nora, Megan, and Justin. The funeral will be on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart. Burial will follow in Dysart Cemetery. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church music program or the Bird House Hospice Home in Iowa City. A special thanks to the wonderful love and care Jean received at the Solon Assisted Living Center and the Bird House Hospice Home.