Obituary of Norman Hans Jacobsen

Norman Hans Jacobsen

(January 27, 1931 - January 25, 2020)

Hans ‘Norman’ Jacobsen of Camrose, formerly New Norway, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2020 at the age 88. Norman was born in Edmonton to parents Carl and Anna on January 27, 1931. In the spring of 1932, the Jacobsens moved from the big city to a ranch near Wetaskiwin where Carl started working as a hired hand. Norman attended formal schooling in Wetaskiwin until 1946 when Carl purchased a farm in the Verdun district near Duhamel, where Norman discovered his lifelong love of farming.

In the early 1950’s he found the love of his life when he met Mary Green of Daysland. They were married November 12, 1952 at the United Church in Camrose. They moved on to the Jacobsen farm near Duhamel, soon building a house where they could start their life and family. Norman and Mary were blessed with three sons, Rick (Sept 1953), Ken (Sept 1955), and Dale (Jan 1958). With a growing family and farm, Norman had to work various jobs in the oilfield, doing construction, and working at the Stelco plant in Camrose to make ends meet. Norman worked extremely hard but also loved and cherished his time with family, friends, and community. Norman enjoyed playing baseball, refereeing hockey, and coaching his sons in Sr. hockey. As their boys grew older and were able to help more on the farm, Norman and Mary began to travel, taking many trips with friends from around the community. When their grandchildren came along, Norman found extreme joy in being a grandfather. He loved spending time, teaching little tricks, and watching many of the sports they were involved with. In the early 1980’s, Rick and Ken began farming more with their dad. Norman continued farming until he retired at the age of 70. 

After retiring, Norman and Mary remained on the farm until 2006 when, at the age of 75, they moved into a townhouse in Camrose. Norman enjoyed the activities of living in town. He would often go swimming, play crib at the community center, volunteer with the Kodiaks hockey club and taking in the farmers markets. In 2017, they moved out of their townhouse and into an apartment at Seasons Retirement Community. In the fall of 2019, Norman and Mary were both able to move into Bethany Meadows Assisted Living, where he lived until his passing.
 

Norman will be lovingly remembered, by his wife of 67 years, Mary; sons Ken (Vera) and Dale (Darlene); daughter-in-law Karen; grandchildren Julie (Warren) Boychuk, Ryan (Jaimie Pastuck), Ashley (Ryan) Toner, Lindsey (Lorne) Blake, Carley (Dan) Day, David (Lindsay), and Jordan (Nikki); great-grandchildren Brady, Riley, and Emily Boychuk, Kane and Owen Toner, Zoe and Anna Blake, Hailey, Zachary, and Jake Day, Barrett and Jensen Jacobsen, and the newest one due any day; special brother-in-law/friend Knud Christenson; and extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.  Norman was predeceased by his mother Anna and father Carl, son Rick, brother Fritz, and sister Karen Christenson.

A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2020 from the CityLights Church (4920 48 Street Camrose) with Rev. MaryAnn Pastuck officiating. 

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Norman's memory may be made to St. Mary's Hospital Foundation.