Virnel Dwight Jacobson
March 17, 1931 - May 7, 2012
Obituary
Virnel Dwight Jacobson was born in Peever, South Dakota on March 17, 1931.
He was the third child (out of five children) of Henry and Rose Jacobson
When he was in his teens his family moved to Washington State where he attended Cleveland High School in South Seattle. Shortly after graduation he began working at Container Corporation of America (CCA) where, after 44 years, he retired as a First Pressman in 1994. About that time he went on a blind date with his coworker’s niece and fell in love with the pretty young schoolteacher from North Dakota. It didn’t take long for them to set the date, and on December 15, 1950 he married the love of his life, Eleanor Elizabeth Volk. They started their family 11 months later with the birth of their first son, Darwin, and went on to have four more boys; Rodney, Joseph, Randy and Mickey. They were a rough and tumble bunch of boys and he loved to wrestle and play ball with them as often as he could. He enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, and was a proud father as he attended the boy’s sports events. Pearrygin Lake was a favorite family camping spot and they spent many summers fishing and golfing in the sun together.
Virnel was an accomplished woodworker and made many beautiful pieces of furniture and cabinets for his home as well as dollhouses and cupboards for his granddaughters. As the boys grew older and married, God finally blessed him with girls whom he showered with love and kindness. In his later years he and Eleanor spent much of their time golfing and camping in their little trailer with their friends. The summer weenie roasts in their back yard became the place to be for friends and family and everyone knew they were always welcome. Virnel and Eleanor enjoyed 53 years together before her death in 2004. He was the kind of father, father-in-law and grandfather everyone hopes to have. His wife and family were his treasures and he was proud of all of them, including his 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. During his last days in the hospital he was showered with an abundance of love from his children, grandchildren and sister, Aldeen. And as each one told him how much they loved him he smiled and whispered, “Me too.”
If you wish to honor the memory of Virnel, please just pass on the kindness that he gave to you and perform one unheralded act of kindness for someone. Then, enjoy the good feeling that comes with it.
The best dad ever! RIP “Buns”
You were my sunshine. My loving brother.
You will be forever in my heart.
I love you. Your sister.
What a blessing… The best gift Bun’s ever gave me, was to tell me I could call him “Dad” after my father had passed away. I am so grateful for that privilege and his LOVE. Bun’s had provided us with many great memories and I smile every time I think of them. It was truly a honor being his daughter in law…I will miss him very much…. love, “Charlie”
So sorry for the loss of a man so loved.
One of the things I loved most about you, Buns, was the way you loved your family. You made each one of us feel treasured. You lived your life honorably and with integrity. Your word was never given falsely and your sons learned that lesson well by your fine example. I will miss our special talks and the joy you brought to all of us. I will even miss the way you held your head whenever anyone said something that shocked or surprised you. It was so funny but so “you”. It makes me smile just thinking about it! You have been a wonderful grandfather to my children and grandchildren. We all have such fond memories of our times with you and Eleanor. You both worked hard to provide not only the material necessities for your family but also the important life lessons that will stay with us forever. You made a positive difference in the lives of all of us. I am so thankful God chose you to be my Father-in-law. And I am thankful to you for teaching Darwin to be the wonderful husband and father he is. I feel truly blessed and I will treasure my memories of you forever.
I used to live at 3712 S. 164th St, just two doors down the street to the west of Ella and Vern from 1962 to 2006 when I had to move to assisted-living in Burien. We were not close as neighbors until the early 1990’s then Ella started going to St. Thomas in Tukwila, and we worked together in the RCIA and Outreach programs there. In 2002, Ella started bringing my mail to my door every day because it was difficult for me to get out to the street because of arthritis. After we lost Ella, Vern continued the favor which was much appreciated. The old neighborhood has changed mightily, through the years, but it was a good place to raise a growing family. God bless you all, and bring you comfort in your loss–I am sure Ella is rejoicing because she has Vern back with her again.
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My grandpa Buns was always quick to smile and tease. I remember him telling me about his “hole in one” on the golfcourse. I was amazed! I had never seen any of those so called “professionals” do that on tv. Grandpa was everything a Grandpa should be and so much more. I will miss him terribly.
To our friends and old neighbors Jo, Lisa, and Tristan and to the rest of the Jacobson clan. Our thoughts are with you and your family now, DeVona wanted your to know that Bonney-Watson is honored to be intrusted with “Buns” on this last walk to the final “hole-in-one”.
Thank you for all the love and kindness, Uncle Buns. Always in my heart.
What wonderful memories of Jake as we called him. We raised our families together camping, playing golf, trips to Reno, yes the backyard bar-b-cues, crabbing, picking oysters and many more. Jake was a caring, gentle and a true life time friend. We both lost our mates in the same year. Our conversations were always about the “good old times” we had together. He will be missed.
Love to all his family,
Evelyn
Hey there Jake, We’re going to miss you!
We all have so many great memories of our golf and camping experiences, the stories go on and on forever, we had so many laughs! We sure lived our lives to the fullest
Now you’ll be able to be with Ella again.
Love ya old friend!
Joe and Dixie
Dear Buns,
What wonderful memories I have of our time with you and Ella, from the popcorn and pinochle parties we had at your house when our kids were small, to our camping trips, to our Reno trips, to our golf outings, our campfires, crabbing, etc.
I know Clair will be glad to see you – he has been waiting for a long, long time.
Love You and will miss you – Jan
You will be missed Buns we loved the way you and Ella always greeted us after Darwin married my Sister Debby and then our Daughter Stacey married your son Mickey you were kinda like family also after all we have your youngset and oldest in our family so don,t fret we love them dearly and we will look after them for you now after all you gave us the best thank you RIP say hi to Ella for us
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.
Jacobson family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Virn was one of my favorite customers at Safeway 🙂