Joanne Jacobson

Joanne Lee Darbo Jacobson, age 88, of Baxter, passed away June 8, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. 

Joanne was born on November 1, 1935, to Cleve and Helene (Nelson) Darbo in Bay Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1953. Joanne was united in marriage to Clarence “Jake” Jacobson on August 13, 1955, and they were married for 61 years.

Their beloved daughter, Rae Lynn, was born in Crosby in 1956. The family eventually moved to the Twin Cities, where Joanne was a proud working mother for many years. In her spare time, Joanne loved traveling and was an award-winning bowler. 

In later years, Joanne and Jake longed to return to the Brainerd Lakes area. They were thrilled to eventually retire to Pillager in 2003, where they built their dream home on Hardy Lake. For years, Joanne and Jake were avid antique collectors, even hosting a booth at an antique mall, where they would spin many stories with other antique enthusiasts. 

Joanne was known for her love of Minnesota sports, her incredible memory, her vast knowledge of the world around her, and as an excellent storyteller. But most important in her later years was her role as a devoted grandmother. Her dedication to her three grandsons was unmatched - communicating with them by phone daily until her death.  She was their greatest advocate and support.

Joanne will be deeply missed by her three grandsons Paul, David, and Matthew Kordiak as well as many friends and extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and siblings Cleve "David" Darbo, Nancy Fouquette, and James Foster, her husband Jake, her daughter, Rae Lynn Jacobson Kordiak and son-in-law, Edward Kordiak.

A memorial service will be held on July 12, 2024, at 1:00 pm, with a reviewal one hour prior at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, Minnesota. Interment will be in Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery near Little Falls, Minnesota. 

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements by Brenny Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services.