With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a long, grace-filled life, the family of Frances Jacobson announces her passage into eternal life following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love and unwavering faith.

Fran was born on August 16, 1941, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Anton and Clara Volkmuth. Rheumatic fever at the age of five led to a quiet four years of recovery, during which she learned the arts of patience, reading, and observation that would shape her reflective, gentle personality. These traits served her well academically as she graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1959, earned a bachelor's degree in education from the College of St. Benedict in 1963, and later obtained her master's degree from the University of Minnesota.

After completing her education, Fran was recruited to teach on the Iron Range and initially intended to stay for just a year or two. Instead, she fell in love with the Ely community and met the love of her life, Gordon Jacobson. The two were united in marriage on August 8,1964, beginning a beautiful journey of 62 years together.

Fran devoted 28 years to education. She began her teaching career in the fifth grade classroom before shifting her talents into special education for 22 years, and was deeply grateful to eventually return to where it all started prior to retirement. One of her proudest accomplishments was composing a series of songs her students sang to learn about American exploration and history. Through all of her time teaching, she shaped countless young lives with boundless patience, guiding every student to discover their own unique strengths and potential.

Together, she and Gordon raised four children during their 43 years in Ely, exposing them to the natural beauty of the north woods at their home in Romberg Acres as well as their cabin on Fall Lake. Whether chauffeuring the kids to the ski hill (and squeezing in some cross-country skiing herself), supporting their multiple canoe trips each season, cheering from the sidelines at games or competitions, or taking frequent trips to Duluth or the Twin Cities to watch a Broadway show (and occasionally performing in local musicals herself), her greatest joy was sharing her love of the arts while enthusiastically supporting her children’s—and later, her grandchildren’s—creative and athletic interests.

Fran possessed an adventurous and creative spirit, a willingness to try anything at least once that led to many unique experiences. She savored her travels to places like Glacier National Park, the Holy Land, and an unforgettable two-week 50th anniversary river cruise through Europe. On family trips, she led by example, embracing opportunities that pushed her out of her comfort zone—like parasailing and rock climbing. In quieter moments, Fran could often be found solving a crossword puzzle, playing cribbage, meeting up with her bridge club, or getting lost in a good book. Ever forward-thinking, she also founded a local investment club in Ely to help teach others the importance of financial planning. Her many creative pursuits over the years included ceramics, knitting, painting, glass cutting, quilting, beanie baby collecting, canning, and most recently, diamond art—leaving her family with treasured keepsakes and the lasting lesson to approach life with curiosity, courage, and everyday adventure.

Through every chapter of her life, faith remained central. At St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, Fran sang proudly from the pews, participated in the choir, and served as a cantor. After moving to Isanti, she became the music director at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, continuing to share her beautiful voice at Sunday services, weddings, and funerals. It was this unwavering faith that guided her home as she willingly embraced her journey to heaven, eager to set one final example of strength for her family.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Clara Volkmuth; three brothers, Dick, Don, and Tony Volkmuth; one sister, Alice Sand; and her infant grandchild, Colton Jacobson.

She is survived by her loving and steadfast husband of 62 years, Gordon Jacobson; her four children, Eric (Mary) of Roseville, Bret (Lisa) of Connecticut, Jennifer (Jim) Mallet of Andover, and Curtis (Amy) of Rockford; and her eight grandchildren, Kathryn, Kelly (Josh) Duckett, Bryce, Kyle, Jacob (Anna), Joseph, Julia, and Madeline.

Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Patrick’s Church, Oak Grove, on October 9 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM. Luncheon to follow.

Rest in peace, Mom. We’ve got it from here.