Jane Jacobson, 106, Medford

Mary Jane Jacobson, age 106, died on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at Medford Senior Care in Medford.

Mary Jane Roebuck (Jane) was born on Sept. 4, 1917, in Canby, to Ray and Cecelia (Minnick) Roebuck. She was the first child of four. Jane graduated from Owatonna High School and went on to get her teaching degree. She was very proud of her military service in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a recruiter 1st Class.

She met her future husband, Alfred “Jake” Jacobson, in high school. They were married on Sept. 5, 1944, in Chicago, while both were on military leave. Jane and Jake returned to southern Minnesota and eventually settled full time in Owatonna to raise their two children.

While raising their two children, Jane started a nursery school in the basement of their home. She taught nursery school in her home for many years.

After Jake died Sept. 7, 1977, she regrouped and was hired by Federated Insurance in the Personnel Department until she retired.

Her two greatest passions were playing bridge with her friends and having family gatherings. Holidays and birthdays were always full of family, friendship, laughter, and sage advice.

Jane is survived by her children Judd “Jake” (Sue) of Owatonna, Judy (Tom) Rowley of Hayward, Wis.; grandchildren Erik (MaRita) Jacobson, Nicole (Joe) Jacobson, Matthew (Kimberly) Rowley, Gregory Rowley (Sara); great-grandchildren Zoe Jacobson, Ella, Jocelyn, and Johnnathan “JT” Rowley.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Cecelia Roebuck; husband, Alfred (Jake) Jacobson; sister Donna Hayes; brothers John Patrick “Pat” Roebuck and twin Raymond (died at birth).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the time of service at the church. Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:45 a.m. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Honors by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.