Carol L. Jacobs

Carol Lamae Jacobs died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the age of 83.

Carol was born at St. Anne’s Maternity Hospital in La Crosse to Paul and Evelyn (Breyer) Zessin on May 21, 1940.  She attended a one-room school at Nodine, Minnesota through the eighth grade and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1958.

Carol married Richard (Dick) Jacobs at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nodine, Minnesota on October 6, 1962.  She and Dick were blessed with three children, Mark, Krista and Leann.  They were further blessed with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She had been employed by the Batavian National Bank and the La Crosse Telephone Company.  She did day-care in her home until her children were in school.  Carol then was employed for 23 years as a paraprofessional at the Onalaska Middle School from where she retired in May 2000.

Carol served on several committees, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Bangor Garden Club for more than forty years.

Her greatest pleasures came from entertaining family and friends.  She was an excellent cook and served many delicious meals and desserts (especially pies).  She completed her own recipe book for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards and spending time with her family at their boathouse on the Black River.

Survivors include her husband, Richard, children Mark (Brenda) Jacobs, Krista (Gary) Ness, and Leann (Jerome) Roubal.  She is further survived by grandchildren Jessica (Jackson Spry) Jacobs, Ashley (Wills Manning) Jacobs, Cal (Annie) Ness, Isaac (Catherine) Ness, Micah (Mariah Bighorn) Ness, Elissa (Luke} Wilkowski, Jacob (Samantha Abler) Roubal, Noel (Will Bellefeuille) Roubal and by her great-granddaughter Summer Ness.  She also is survived by Sister-in-law Carol Dotterwick, Nephews James Dotterwick, Robert (Sally) Dotterwick and Donald Dotterwick and Niece Debra (Tom) Pollard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Myron Zessin and Sister-in-Law Shirley Zessin, Nephews Trent Zessin and Rodger Olson and Nieces Tamara (Zessin) Benson, Patti (Page) Bray and Jean Dotterwick and by Brothers-in-law, Edward and James Dotterwick and Sister-in-Law Maxine Dotterwick.

We express a most sincere thank you to the Medical Specialty Unit at Gundersen Medical Center and to Gundersen Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street in La Crosse. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service.   Pastor Philip Waselik will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, The Salvation Army or to the charity of your choice.

Carol felt especially close to her Lord and thanked Him for the blessings bestowed upon her.  She was especially grateful for her beloved family. May she rest in peace.  No more pain.