William (Bill) Jacobson

William (Bill) Jacobson, 92, of Yuma, Ariz., passed away February 27, 2020.

Bill was born and raised in Wagner, Mont. He graduated from Malta High School in Montana and described his early jobs on the family ranch and nearby ranches as Cow Puncher. He spent two years in the Army in California working as a Military Police Officer. After the army, he returned to Malta and married Mildred (Millie) Munsinger in 1954 and began his career in construction. They lived in Malta for 11 years before moving to Casper, Wyo., in 1965 where they raised their family of seven children.

While living in Casper, Bill, and Millie were very active in the Black Sheep Square Dance Club, dancing several times a month and serving as officers of the club. The family fondly remembers watching their parents dance at many square dancing events around Wyoming and nearby states. Bill loved music and instilled this love in his children.

The entire Jacobson family spent many memorable weekends camping at Alcova Lake outside of Casper. Bill enjoyed boating and fishing most of his life in Montana and Wyoming and in later years, in Idaho and Arizona. He also went hunting yearly, often with his sons.

Bill retired from Commercial Building Systems as Vice President in 1990 after many years of dedicated service. During his career, he supervised the building of schools, bowling alleys, retirement homes, stores, vehicle dealerships, and other commercial properties in Wyoming and Montana.

Upon retirement, Bill and Millie moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, to enjoy being close to their son, John, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. While in Twin Falls, Bill became an excellent golfer and enjoyed the game throughout his retirement, winning some senior tournaments and competitions. On his 90th birthday, he celebrated by playing 18 holes with three of his children.

After many years as snowbirds, Bill and Millie moved to Yuma in 2004. Bill continued gardening all of his life and was particularly proud of his tomatoes and kohlrabies which he shared with friends and family.

Bill sadly lost his wife to breast cancer in July 2010.

Bill was a fierce and competitive game player all of his life, whether it be cards, dice, or sports. Until his death, Bill played pool almost daily with a group of friends in his neighborhood. He also won several senior pool tournaments.

In his last few years, his son, Bryce, lived with him and provided companionship and support which allowed Bill to have an active and full life until his death.

Bill shared his knowledge and skills freely - whether it was building, hunting, fishing or gardening, and he had high expectations. He showed that working hard was expected but that playing, recreating, and enjoying nature was also an important aspect to a life well-lived. His family values the lessons that he taught them and he will be truly missed.

Bill is survived by his seven children: John (Debbie) of Twin Falls, Idaho; William Jr. (Shelley) of Sioux Falls, S. D.; David (Linda) of Canyon Lake, Texas; Lee (Nancy) of Dunnellon, Florida; Lorraine Wachowski (Kevin) of Green Bay, Wis.; Melody Oliver (Merritt) of Alpharetta, Ga.; and Bryce of Yuma, Ariz. Bill is also survived by four siblings: Bonnie Burke, Betty Adams, Delbert Jacobson, and Clarence Jacobson. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial is planned for this summer in Glenrock, Wyoming.

Any donations in his memory may be made to support the research to cure breast cancer which affected his wife and daughters and many other loved ones.