Betty L. Jacobson

Betty Lou Jacobson, 93, of Hitterdal, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Viking Manor in Ulen, MN. 

Betty was born on the 20th of March, 1931, to Walter and Hildegard (Swenson) Peterman. She grew up in Hawley, MN, attending school there and graduating from Hawley High School in 1949. On December 7, 1951, she married Milo Jacobson, and they began their life together on her family farm south of Hawley, where Betty worked at the First National Bank of Hawley. In 1957, they moved to the farm in Hitterdal, MN, where Betty devoted herself to caring for her family and supporting the farm. 

Betty was the ultimate caregiver and became affectionately known as "Grandma Jake" to many. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and ensured no one left her home hungry. Each day, she prepared dinner at noon, lunch at 4:00 p.m., and supper when the workday was over. During harvest, these hearty meals were even packed up and delivered to the field. Betty truly embodied the spirit of a devoted farm wife. 

Despite her dedication to the farm, Betty made time to travel. Later in life she and Milo traveled in the winter months with dear friends in their motorhome. After Milo’s passing, Betty continued to travel, taking numerous bus trips and vacations with family. One of Betty’s favorite places to visit was Stony Point Resort in Cass Lake, MN where she spent many summers enjoying time with her family. She collected magnets from every place she visited, proudly displaying them on her fridge. If family traveled somewhere, they were sure to bring a magnet home for Grandma Jake. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren cherished these magnets, often playing with them during visits to her home. 

Above all, Betty was deeply devoted to her family. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, rarely missing a football, volleyball, basketball, or softball game, dance competition, or school event. She was their most enthusiastic cheerleader, always cheering them on with love and pride. 

Betty is survived by her children: Kathy (Mark) Larson of Halstad, MN; Gary (Val) Jacobson of Hitterdal, MN; Lori (Bruce) Tellefson of Fargo, ND; and Susan (Matt) Fischer of Glyndon, MN. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Beau (Chrissy) Jacobson, Cody Jacobson, Kirby Jacobson, Kelly (Tamara) Jacobson, Kyle (Jess) Jacobson, Logan Tellefson, Lindsey (Matt) Sandbeck, Mikayla (Jake) Ouren, and Mattie (Gunnar) Payne; and 13 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Drew, Ian, Izabella, Khloe, Kaelin, Rilyn, Arianna, Aiden, Ainsley, Braxton, Kohen, Hadley, Greta, Brie, and Emmy. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo; her son, Mike; her parents, Walter and Hildegard; her brother, Richard; her double cousin, Vonnie; and many other loved ones who were dear to her. 

Betty’s life was a testament to love, generosity, and the importance of family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7 PM with a visitation from 5-7 PM at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. A Livestream of the service will be available on the Salem Lutheran Church Facebook page. 

Burial will be in Salem East Cemetery, Hitterdal, MN.