Marvin L. Jacobsen

Marvin Lee Jacobsen, 95, passed away on February 19, 2025 at Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead, MN. Marvin was born on November 23, 1929 on the family farm north of Moorhead to Carius and Nora (Hoover) Jacobsen. He attended rural grade school and Moorhead State College Campus School.

He was drafted by the United States Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War (1951-53) then transferred to the Army Reserve (1953-59) until his honorable discharge on October 1, 1959. On January 16, 1954 he was united in marriage to Jean Yvonne Regstad of Georgetown, MN. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith in 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church where he volunteered to serve as an usher for church services for many years.

Marvin and Jean built their home next to the family farm where they raised their four children Sandy, Dan, Dean and Gail. Marvin and Jean purchased the family farm, planted wheat and soybeans and Marvin enjoyed “everything about farming”. His favorite past times were mowing the lawn, helping with the gardens, bowling, dancing and softball games. 

In addition to farming, he began working at the American Crystal Sugar Company in Moorhead during the 1948 campaign. In 1954, he began employment as a year-round employee retiring in 1991 with 37 years of service. Following retirement, he worked for his son Dean on the farm for 10 years until suffering a stroke in 2001.

Marvin and Jean moved to Dilworth, MN in 2006 where they enjoyed hosting their family and friends for holidays and special events. They were regulars at the Fryin’ Pan, Moorhead VFW and the American Legion Club socializing as they played bingo and had a good meal.

In retirement, Marvin enjoyed playing golf, family picnics, card games and attending his children’s activities. Marvin was a talented carpenter and could fix almost anything. Another favorite past time was driving around checking crops and making several trips to the lake.

In February of 2022, Marvin and Jean moved to The Linden at Eventide. He loved visiting with family and friends and of course played cards and bingo. Marvin was kind, generous, helpful and known for his sense of humor. As his health declined, he moved to long term care at Eventide in January of 2024.

Marvin is survived by his wife Jean of 71 years. Children: Sandy (Dick) Roman, Dan (Karen) Jacobsen, Dean (Paula) Jacobsen and Gail Greene. Grandchildren: Chad (Kate) Jacobsen, Krysta (Dave) Unhjem, Rachel (Derek) Neu, Sammy (Ben) Rage, Parker Jacobsen and Galena Greene. Great-grandchildren: Henry Rage, Eloise and Madison Unhjem, Maddux and Oliver Neu, Summer Jacobsen and baby Neu expected this spring. Sisters: Gladys Wignes, Marlys Winter and Carol Emerson. Brothers-in-law: Lowell Regstad (Shirley), Jerry Regstad and Jim (Debbie) Regstad and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carius (Cy) and Nora; sisters Cathaleen Koenig and Darlene Anderson; brothers Raymond and Wayne Jacobsen. In-laws, Paul Koenig, Chuck Anderson, Loren Wignes, Ray Dahl, Jim Winter, Floyd Emerson, Jim Gnoinsky, Arlene Gnoinsky, Sharon Regstad, Leona Jacobsen, Wanda Regstad, Mavis Jacobsen, and son-in-law Bruce Greene.

Our family thanks the staff at Eventide, Hospice of The Red River Valley, Fargo VA Medical Center and Sanford Health for their compassionate and professional care.

Memorials are preferred to: Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice of The Red River Valley or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Final resting place will be in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.