Edward Carl Jacobsen passed away on April 16th 2023 at age 90.

Ed was born on September 4th 1932 at home in Hancock, Wisconsin.

He grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and graduated from Lincoln High school in 1950. He attained a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he later was inducted into the athletic hall of fame for his track record.

He met his future wife of 67 years, Mary Louise Lund, at college. She shared his love of adventure. He was drafted into the army and after returning in 1956 he attained a Master’s Degree in Math Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

He taught math at Robert College in Istanbul, where his daughters, Ann Louise and Lisa were born, for six years. He returned to the States for his PHD in Math Education at the University of Kansas, Lawrence where his third daughter, Greta, was born. He and his family moved to Kenya and Swaziland where he worked of UNESCO teaching math education.

In 1976 he moved with his family to UNESCO headquarters in Paris where he was responsible for math education. Ed enjoyed camping with his family in Africa and Europe. He hiked up Mt. Kenya and Mt Fuji, and skied in the Alps. He rode horses and a motorcycle in Africa, and went kayaking on the Seine in Paris and canoeing with his family down the Wisconsin river.

Following his retirement, Ed and family moved to a dome home in the woods near Siren, Wisconsin. He continued to work with mathematics education committees in several South American countries. For his work in South America he was awarded the prestigious Luis Santa medal. Ed enjoyed ham radio, wood turning, woodwork, birding, and gardening. In 2011 he was elected town chairman of LaFollette. This became a much bigger job than he’d anticipated, as the Siren tornado occurred during his term. He used his radio to help organize relief efforts.

Ed is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Lund Jacobsen, daughter Lisa Jacobsen Rockwood, her husband, Jeff, daughter Greta Jacobsen Strobel, Five grandsons, Steve Rockwood (Priscilla),Sean Murry, Nick Murry, Jesse Strobel (Katie), Jake Strobel, and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Skinner Funeral Home in Shell Lake Wisconsin on Saturday, April 29 at 2 P.M.

Last Update: Apr 23, 2023 12:03 pm CDT