Harold E. Jacobson, Jr.

  Age 88, of Okemos, MI, died on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Clare Bridge of Meridian, a loving memory care community.  He was born on Saturday, June 12, 1926, in Lansing, Michigan.

After graduating from Lansing Sexton High School, Harold graduated Michigan State University in 1947 followed by service in the Army.

Harold was an innovative packaging engineer at General Motors where he worked for over 30 years.

On July 20, 1957, he married Kathryn Grimm, and together they raised three daughters.

Harold was a proud Eagle Scout, and he excelled at many creative hobbies.  After retirement, he enjoyed building furniture, making wooden toys for his family and friends, gardening, and traveling with Kathryn.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn Jacobson (2007); his parents, Harold E. Jacobson Sr. (1977) and Leta (Eitel) Jacobson (1937); sister, Ardis Jacobson (1929); and stepmother, Helen (Wilson) Jacobson (2003).  He is survived by his daughters, Lynn (Mark) Haines, Lisa Jacobson and Amy Jacobson; his grandsons, Nicholas Haines, and Jonathon Haines; and his sisters, Marilyn Rider and Jan Krouskup.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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8 Messages to “Harold E. Jacobson, Jr.

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Paula Audas
December 5, 2014 at 2:02 pm

Harold has been my neighbor since 1990 and previous to that was a co-worker at GM. One of the most gracious and giving men I have known. He took such wonderful care of Kathy. I am sure that he is happy to once again be with her. My condolences to Amy, Lisa and Lynne and family.

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Margaret Cottrill
December 5, 2014 at 4:05 pm

Harold has been our next door neighbor for 25 years. He was the best neighbor possible. He removed the snow from our driveway, stocked our fridge for homecomings from trips, and was always there to lend a helping hand. When I was in a car accident and couldn’t lift my daughter out of her crib after her nap, Harold would come running over and lift Rachel for me! He is integral to both of our daughters’ childhood memories and served as a surrogate grand-father to both of them. We will miss him dearly and count ourselves so lucky to have had his lovely wife and him as our neighbors for so many years.

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Penny Tresise
December 5, 2014 at 6:03 pm

Harold was the only father I’ve ever known, and I was so proud when he called me his “daughter by osmosis”. Amy and I have been best friends for many years, and I feel so honored that she shared her dad with me. He was such a kind man, his love ran quiet but deep. His heart was so sweet, and full to the top with his love for his daughters and his beautiful wife Kathy. I will cherish ALL of my memories with Harold, but especially those when we sat down with the photo albums and he shared the pictures of the people and places he loved so much. Kathy and Harold together again…..just as it should be. I’ll miss you Dad.

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Anna Wolfson
December 5, 2014 at 7:23 pm

Harold was a wonderful neighbor for my whole childhood and a true third grandfather. I have so many wonderful memories of him and Kathy, of whom I also have wonderful memories. From visiting with his pets, to toffee at Christmas, to visiting to see his Christmas village, to seeing his wood shop, he was always smiling, laughing and friendly. I remember he told me that his mother rode across the prairies in a wagon and saw a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral and I’ve often thought of that story among others he told me. My condolences to his daughters and grandchildren.

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Rachel Wolfson
December 5, 2014 at 9:43 pm

Harold was our neighbor for my entire life… he was always there to lend a hand when we needed it and (frequently) let me into our house when I was getting home from school and had forgotten my keys! It was always fun to go out into the backyard to say hi to Harold and Bear (what a great team they made!) Harold was such a caring neighbor – we were very lucky to have him in our lives. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.

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lisa stringer
December 6, 2014 at 12:22 am

I never knew Mr. Jacobson but his daughter Amy has been dear to me for many years. My message is to Amy…prayers hugs and love through this difficult time of death. Stay strong my friend.

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Muralee, Angie, Kavitha and Sunitha Nair
December 6, 2014 at 8:06 am

Harold became our good friend from the first day we met him. He was the best neighbor anyone could wish for. He watched over our daughters, Kavitha and Sunitha, from elementary school through high school. Harold was available for advice and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need. We will never forget his pleasant manner and the big smile. Harold will always be remembered in our family.

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Karen Billman McKay
December 6, 2014 at 10:49 am

Harold was like a second father to me and my sister Sue. Our two families lived next to each other for many years. My dad went to H.S. school with Kathy and my mom shared a hospital room with Kathy when I was born and Lisa was born. We shared many good times together including family vacations. Harold made wooden toys for my boys when they were young and they still have them to this day. I love you and will miss you Harold. Say hello to Kathy and my mom. You are in a much better place.
Love, Karen

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