Dave (Dad, Jake, Grandpa, Pops, Daddio, Chief Curmudgeon) Jacobson, 72, of Coon Valley, Wisconsin, passed away at home on November 8, 2026, with his wife and children by his side. He was a strong man, having quietly battled cancer for 12 years with seldom a complaint.

Dave was born May 11, 1954, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Adolph and H. Sylvia Jacobson, as the 6th of 7 children. He was raised in La Crescent, Minnesota, and attended a single-room schoolhouse, “Pleasant View,” for grades 1-6, and graduated from La Crescent High School in 1972. He then served two years in the Army. He and his wife and lifelong partner, Phyllis, met in the mess hall of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1973. They fell in love and were married in 1975, living in Texas and Missouri before settling down in Coon Valley, Wisconsin in 1978.

Dave was a devoted husband and family man through and through. He loved his wife and children dearly. He celebrated his children’s successes, supported his wife’s many interests and hobbies, and eagerly attended grandchildren’s sports games and activities. He took great pride in being self- sufficient and enjoyed working together with family around the home and property. He was always ready to pitch in and help others but was also very skilled at putting others to task. He instilled a good work ethic in his children at an early age and preached fairness, honesty, and respect, teaching many valuable life skills. A regular “advice-giver,” he never understood why we all didn’t just “do as he said.” His serious demeanor was quick to give way to an easy smile, a joke, a warm handshake or hug, and Dave always seized upon an opportunity to enjoy a cold beverage on the deck with friends and family at the end of a long day.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave spent much of his free time hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved to share his passion for hunting and fishing with his children and others and had plenty of stories to tell. He similarly enjoyed hearing others’ hunting and fishing stories, and family and friends knew to call or visit to share their own big buck or fishing tales. Dave cherished family vacations, including annual camping trips to Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for decades (where he caught his 47” muskie!), road trips around the western U.S., and beach house vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama. He tent-camped until he felt the ground start to get “harder” and “farther away,” at which time a truck camper entered the scene. He and Phyllis continued to travel with the camper to visit family and friends, explore National Parks, lakes, state zoos, and other attractions, feeling like a turtle with its home on its back.

Dave was a voracious reader, often reading 2-4 books a week. He was Lily’s [cat] favorite person, and she misses her daily naps on his chest, nuzzled under his chin. Dave enjoyed golfing with his sons, brother-in-law, and golfing buddies, rooting for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, playing pool and darts, card games, and blessing his family with many dad-isms. Some favorites include: “I’m the boss, applesauce”; “understand, rubberband?”, “you need to focus”, “specific is terrific”, “use the right tool for the job”, and “Dad knows all”. There were many eyerolls from his wife and children.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Jacobson, his children David Jacobson Jr., Emily (Greg) Birk, and Eric (Tiffany) Jacobson, seven grandchildren: Madeline, Cedar, Matthew, Laurel, Ezra, Reed, and Ryder, his brother Art (Mary), and two sisters Grace and Nanci. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marj and Darlene, his brother Les, and brothers-in-law Bill Sr. and Glenn.

You were dearly loved and will be missed, but heaven is lucky to have you.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Celebration of Life: June 6, 2027, | Time & Location TBD
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Bethel Butikk Food Pantry in Westby, Wisconsin.

Bethel Butikk Food Pantry
341 Black River Ave, Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3473

Condolences may be made to the family at CouleeCremation.com.