SUMNER — Janice “Jan” Kay Jacobson, 83, of Sumner, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, at Sumner Community Memorial Hospital.
Jan was born February 4, 1943, in Terril, Iowa, the daughter of Earnest and Margaret Brawner. She graduated from Milford High School in 1960 and went on to build a life centered around family, service, faith and community.
Her early married years included time in England while her husband, Dean Jacobson, served in the United States Army. After returning to Iowa, the family lived in Ruthven for several years, later moved to Ortonville, Minnesota, and eventually settled in Sumner in 1968.
In Sumner, Jan became a familiar and valued part of the community. She worked for many years in the Dietary Department at Sumner Community Memorial Hospital, where her steady presence, dependability and kindness made her well known among coworkers and others connected to the hospital. Before her years at the hospital, she also served for several years as secretary at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner.
Faith and service were important parts of Jan’s life. She was active with St. John’s WELCA, serving as secretary, and was also a member of the Sumner American Legion Auxiliary. Through church, work and community activities, she built lasting friendships and quietly helped support the people and organizations around her.
Jan also enjoyed the lighter moments of life. She took part in bowling league, played cards, golfed and loved attending her grandchildren’s games and events. She was especially known in her family for baking birthday cakes for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a tradition that reflected the care and joy she put into family gatherings.
She is survived by four sons, Scott Jacobson of Sumner, Steve Jacobson of West Des Moines, Mike Jacobson of Canyon Lake, Texas, and Jeff Jacobson of Oswego, Illinois. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers and many extended family members.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Jacobson; her parents; and several siblings and other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, 324 East 1st Street, Sumner. Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sumner.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Friday, July 10, 2026, at Becker & Son Funeral Home, 111 West 5th Street, Sumner. Visitation will continue for one hour before the service Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made in Jan’s name to Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, SEMS, the Sumner American Legion or the Sumner American Legion Auxiliary.
Becker & Son Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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