Nicholas Jacobsen, 68, of Grand Portage passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2015 at his home. He had been declared cancer free after intensive treatment last fall but his body was overwhelmed by COPD.
Nick was born in Duluth on March 16, 1947 to Edward and Marion Jacobsen. He graduated from Cook County High School in 1965 and lived most of his life in Cook County. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. He spent the entire year of 1967 serving his country in Vietnam.
After his discharge he worked for Edwin Thoreson Inc. He then went into business for himself as a logger.
After many years, he switched business careers and opened a gift store in the lobby of the Grand Portage lodge. He then opened a refreshment stand to serve the original bingo hall and developing casino.
He is preceded in death by his father on May 22, 1962, his mother on September 4, 1994, his Uncle Ralph Jacobsen, his Aunt Dagny Johnson and cousin Dale Johnson.
Nick is survived by his children Nicole (Chad) Spry, Edward Jacobsen, Rosalie Nelson, Sharon Morrison and Stella Morrison; his grandchildren Samantha Jacobsen, Leah Utities, Alyssa and Nicholas Spry, Alex and Jordan Jacobsen, Riley Kirmse, Tommy and Wyatt Nelson, Vallen Cook, Kendra and Kiley Murray; sister Norma Wilson; brother Stephen Jacobsen; nephews James (Julie) and Rodney (Carrie) Wilson; great-niece Emilee Wilson; great-nephews Owen Wilson, Cote and Jesse Deeds; cousins Mary Lou and Franklin Rabold.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the bingo room at the Grand Portage Hotel/Casino at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10. Due to expansion and remodeling, parking will be somewhat limited though shuttle service will be available if needed.
Nick was never one for sappy stuff, he always intended for you to smile. He would sit behind his counter in his little gift shop and tell stories, and these stories always made you feel better if you were having a down day. Whether the story revolved around his travels, his family or his life you could not help but smile when you saw the joy in his eyes. Anyone who knew Nick knows that he was an amazing man, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was a big fan of corny jokes which would always throw people off, because they came out of nowhere.
We miss and love you Nick, Your Family.
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