Ralph T. ""Jake"" Jacobsen

Stoughton- Ralph T. Jacobsen ""Jake"", age 87, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2009 at Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born in Stoughton on May 11, 1921 the son of Theodore and Tonette (Listol) Jacobsen.  Ralph graduated from Stoughton High School.  After high school he worked with his father and uncle as a Mason.  Ralph enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and was stationed at Hethel Field in Norwich, England, flying 35 missions over Germany and France.  He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant with the 389th B.G. 2nd Air Division of the 8th Air Force.  In 1944 Ralph returned to Stoughton and resumed his studies at UW-Madison and received his Engineering degree.  On September 1, 1946 he married Marian Eggleson.  Ralph worked at Stoughton Cab and Body prior to working at Ray-o-Vac, where his many talents made him a valued employee in the departments of model making and product design.  He was a member of the Stoughton Country Club and First Lutheran Church.  Ralph also belonged to an organization of retired pilots call the Quiet Birdsmen (QB's).  He enjoyed monthly dinners at the VFW with his classmates and treasured his daily trips to Fosdal Bakery solving the worlds problems with the ""Smart Table.""  Ralph is survived by his daughters, Ann (Fred) Rouse of Madison, Kathie (Clyde) Gallagher of Cooksville and Mary Everson of Stoughton; five grandchildren, Joanna (Damon Hesse) Rouse, Kasey Gallagher, Nathan (Lindsay) Gallagher and Mya and Maren Everson; one great grandson, Cole Hesse; two brothers-in-law, Harold and Allan (Joyce) Eggleson; and many friends, including his best friend from fourth grade, Robert (Arlene) Hanson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian in 2008; brothers, Trigve (Martha), Olaf (Sophia and Helen) and Harold (Henrietta) Berge; brother-in-law, Walter (Darlene) Eggleson; and sister-in-law, Jean Eggleson.  Memorial services will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington, Stoughton, with Rev. Bill Lehman officiating.  Friends may greet the family from 3:30 PM until the time of service on Thursday.  A special thank you to Dr. Agni and to the staffs of Stoughton Hospital and Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation for their many kindnesses and gentle care of Jake.