Gary L. Jacobson

View Gary's Tribute Video Gary L. Jacobson, 67, of Galesburg, died at 4:04 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria. Gary was born August 31, 1946 in Ladysmith, WI the son of Ernest and Cecile (White) Jacobson.  Gary married Nancy C. Perry December 11, 1971 in Galesburg.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy of Galesburg; a daughter, Tina (Nathanael) Jacobson-Hutchings of Galesburg; and three grandchildren, Michael Jacobson, Alex Bouchez, and Willow Hutchings.  He is also survived by three brothers, Ken (Carol) Jacobson of Lakeville, MN, Duane Jacobson of Janesville, WI, and Randy Jacobson of Sun Prairie, WI; two sisters, Judy (Dale) Brown of Yuma, AZ and Linette Kazmerkaski of Bruce, WI; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Jacobson of Bruce, WI.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ron Jacobson; a brother, Ronald Jacobson; a sister, Diane Hardy; and a brother-in-law, Jack Kazmerkaski. Gary served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1965 to 1969.  He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 and the NRA.  Gary worked at Maytag as a truck spotter for 30 years, retiring in 2000.  Gary also owned and operated Gary Jacobson Trucking Company for several years.  Gary could have been called McGyver as he could fix or repair anything.  He was a great mechanic.  His hobbies included fixing up John Deere mowers and tractors.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing on the Spoon River. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend and will be greatly missed by those whose lives he was a part of. Memorial services will be 5:30 p.m. Monday December 23, 2013 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Minister Michael Hutchings will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.  A celebration of life will follow the memorial service at the Knoxville American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.