Dorothy Jacobson

Dorothy Marie Willhite, daughter of Otto and Mabel (Compton) Willhite, was born March 16, 1921 at Milroy, MN. After growing up in a Minnesota farm family, Dorothy graduated from the Hoffman High School, and immediately began her Normal Training in Wheaton. After receiving her teaching certificate, Dorothy began teaching at the age of 17 at rural schools in Stevens County. On June 4, 1940, she was united in marriage to Clifford Jacobson. The couple spent most of their married life in the Donnelly area. Clifford died unexpectedly on March 23, 1961 at the age of 42 years. Following his death, Dorothy continued to live in Donnelly, where she raised her family and taught at the Donnelly Elementary School. She was also a very active member of the Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, where she had served as Church Treasurer, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and was active in many other groups. When the Donnelly School closed, Dorothy began teaching at the Morris Area Elementary School, where she remained until retiring in 1986. Dorothy enjoyed keeping track of the lives and accomplishments of her former students, doing word puzzles and making her homemade doughnuts. She also loved going on trips with her entire family, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. Dorothy's greatest joy in life, though, came from the time spent with her grandchildren.



Dorothy spent the last three years of her life living at the West Wind Village in Morris, where she died on Saturday, March 4, 2006, having lived to reach the age of 84 years.



She is survived by three children: Joyce (Allen) Olson of Donnelly, Tom (JoAnn) Jacobson of Morton and Jeanne (Rod) Brustuen of Pine Island; eight grandchildren: Julie Algaard, Scott Olson, Tim Olson, Tami McAllister, Brian Jacobson, Jason Jacobson, Amanda Jacobson and Nick Brustuen; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers: Edward (Pat) Larson of Alexandria, Duane (Pat) Larson of Nokomis, FL and Harold (Joan) Willhite of Yuma, AZ; one sister: Ester (Dennis) Tharaldson of Starbuck; four sisters-in-law: Claudia Willhite of Herman, Gertie Willhite of Nelson, Ann Willhite of San Bernadino, CA and Arlene Willhite of Rialto, CA and one brother-in-law: Guy Peterson of Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Richard Jacobson; her father: Otto Willhite, her mother: Mable Willhite Larson; her step-father: Albert Larson; three sisters: Florence Hennen, Fern Thompson and Grace Peterson; four brothers: Leo Willhite, Merle Willhite, Leonard Willhite and Don Willhite; one step-brother: Ellard Larson and one half-brother: Earl Larson.



All of Dorothy's Grandchildren will serve as the pallbearers for her service. Sue Erdahl will be serving as organist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.