Wayne A. Jacobson

Wayne Alan “Jake” Jacobson passed away in his home unexpectedly in Onalaska, WI, on May 2, 2026. Wayne was born on April 5, 1945, in Beloit, WI, to Elmer & Janet (Olson) Jacobson. He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1963 and received his Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees from the University of WI-La Crosse in education. He was a social studies teacher in Markesan, WI, for 23 years and was an Academic Advisor for Student Support Services and an adjunct professor of geography at UW-La Crosse until his retirement in 2010.

Wayne loved being a Chicago Cubs baseball fan, a follower of UW-Lacrosse football & basketball teams, and playing euchre. He was a member of English Lutheran Church, the La Crosse Lions Club, the La Crosse Moose Lodge, the Wergeland Sons of Norway Lodge, the L Club at UW-La Crosse, and a Fall ’65 initiant and one of the founding “Dirty Dozen” of the Delta Sigma Phi-Epsilon Iota Fraternity at UW-La Crosse.

Jake was an exemplary Brother who believed in putting the Fraternity first. His loyalty, spirit, and commitment will not be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Wayne received many honors during his lifetime, including “Outstanding Advisor” at UW-La Crosse and the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which is the highest form of recognition from the Lions Club International Foundation honoring individuals for exemplary humanitarian service.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gerald, and many aunts, uncles & cousins. He is survived by several cousins, his Brothers of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, many special friends, and his part-time caregiver (for the past 6 years) and Fraternity Brother, Art Wilkening.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Delta Sigma Phi-Epsilon Iota Fraternity, PO Box 2815, La Crosse, WI 54601, the La Crosse Lions Charities, PO Box 1531, La Crosse, WI 54601, or the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 for a scholarship in his name.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King Street, La Crosse, WI, at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Noon at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Dr, Monona, WI 53716. Pastor Becky Goche will officiate.