Don Leo Jacobson

Don Leo Jacobson passed away peacefully in his home on December 5, 2018. He was born on January 19, 1926 in Cedarhill, Idaho to Alma G. Jacobson and Alice Erickson Jacobson. As the 11th of 12 children in his family growing up on the family farm, he learned the value of hard work. He attended Meadowbrook, a one room schoolhouse, until his parents moved to Salt Lake City, where he worked at the Fisher Dairy every morning before school milking cows. He attended Granite High School for one year, before his family moved to a small farm in Murray, where he graduated from Jordan High School in 1944. Enlisting in the Navy, he served as a radio operator during World War II in the Philippines. At the end of the War, he served a two-year mission in Sweden for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returning from his mission, he took the opportunity to purchase a Frito franchise. This was the beginning of a successful 37-year career in sales and management with the Frito-Lay Company (now Pepsico), which took him and his family from Murray, Utah to Bellevue, Washington; Clarkson, Ontario; East Lansing and Plymouth, Michigan. In 1950, Don married his sweetheart, Shirlee Jackman, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They celebrated 66 years together before her passing and have 5 children who survive them: Julee (Allen) Chamberlain, Jeffrey (Anne) Jacobson, Sherry Hammonds, Loree (Eric) Thorderson and Lisa (Andy) Salo; and a daughter, Rosalyn, who died as an infant. Together, Don and Shirlee were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Don was a master gardener, always creating a beautiful landscape in each of his 5 homes with ponds, waterfalls, paths and a profusion of greenery and color. Throughout the years he helped each of his children in landscaping and home improvement projects. He lovingly tended to his roses, which Shirlee would pick and share with neighbors and friends each week. With her passing, he continued the rose-giving tradition. However, sometimes the roses were replaced by a pie he had made. He always loved pies and was honored with pie eating contests at family reunions or a birthday pie, instead of cake. He was continually seeking to learn new skills and education through reading and taking courses in salesmanship, upholstering, stained glass art, woodworking, landscaping to name a few. He loved watching and caring for the birds who came to enjoy his garden each year. Don taught himself magic tricks, so he could delight and mystify his grandchildren and great grandchildren with his sleight of hand. He was blessed with an amazing ability to memorize and shared this gift with others by reciting insightful, often humorous poems or short books from memory. He also wrote poetry and limericks for special occasions. After he retired from Frito-Lay, he started a home-based carpentry/remodeling business serving Showcase Cinemas in upgrading their concession stands in theaters throughout southern Michigan. However, he used his skills more in self-less service to others in need of repairs and carpentry work. He looked after many widows and others in need of his skills or care, making sure their sidewalks were shoveled, picking them up for church, having them over for dinner. His service and devotion to Jesus Christ and His church was constant throughout his life. He served as Bishop in Bellevue and Plymouth, Counselor in the Westland Stake Presidency and Ordinance Worker in the Toronto Temple. Whether serving in a position of leadership over many or not, he always reached out to the individual. He was a reminder that “…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17). It is said that grandchildren are the treasures of a long life and that was true for Don. While their health permitted, Don and Shirlee would travel to see their grandchildren whether they be in England, Colorado or North Carolina or wherever they were to cheer them on in their activities, special events or go on a fun trip with them. With Shirlee’s passing, the great grandchildren, along with their parents, helped fill the void and added so much joy to Don’s treasure trove with each one, however small, developing a deep bond with Great Grandpa. We, his family, express our gratitude for his legacy of hard work, service and love. We rejoice in the knowledge that he has joined our mother and sister, family members and friends, and that we will be reunited with him once again. Visitation Wednesday, December 19th 7-9 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W., (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. In state Friday, December 20th Noon until the 1:00 PM Funeral Service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, 7575 North Hix Road, Westland. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Don Leo Jacobson

January 19, 1926 - December 5, 2018