Warren Jacobsen

Warren Andrew Jacobsen was born on September 16, 1925 to James Christian and Meta Marie Gudrun Anderson (Mayme) Jacobsen at his family home in Elk Horn, Iowa. On August 12, 2013, Warren got his promotion to Glory at the age of 87 years at Salem Lutheran Homes. Warren was a man of God and served Him fervently. He was a lifelong member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He served as president of the church council and was active in Men's Bible Study, a leader of Luther League, and participated in Homebuilders for years. As a farmer, Warren lived on the land and was in awe of His Father's creation. Warren lived in Elk Horn and started school there. Warren and his family moved to the farm three miles south of town when he was six years. He then attended school at Clay Township #6 until he went to Elk Horn High School where he graduated in 1943. In high school, Warren met Gudrun Pedersen and they married on December 6, 1944. After their marriage they were lovingly referred to as Tootie' and Waz'. There were three children born to this union: Gwendolyn Faye, Dean Warren, and Paulette Kaye. Warren joined the United States Army in 1945. When the bomb was dropped in Japan, Warren was assigned to a military government team and was among the first occupation troops to land in Japan. In Japan, he was stationed next to Tokyo for a year and sent home to be honorably discharged and return to civilian life. Warren and Gudrun rented his Uncle Alfred's farm. Alfred sold the farm to them after three years, if they would agree to build a home and raise their family there. Warren loved farming and especially raising hogs and purebred Angus cattle. After their son finished college, Warren and Dean formed a partnership and had a good farming operation. In 1965, Warren went to auctioneer school and established an auctioneering business in conjunction with his Real Estate business. In 1964, Warren & Gudrun joined with Dale and Iola Young to build the Dairy Twist ice cream shop, which soon outgrew itself. At that time they joined five other businessmen in Elk Horn to build the Danish Inn restaurant. Warren and Gudrun met many good friends as they often served as host and hostess on Sundays. The Danish Inn was Warren's standard for a good meal. No other restaurant could compare. As Elk Horn's #1 Ambassador, Warren was very interested when Harvey Sornson suggested bringing a windmill from Denmark to Elk Horn. He and Gudrun joined Harvey in selling the idea to the city of Elk Horn. When Warren set his mind on helping with a project; whether it be the windmill, the local swimming pool, rural schools, Salem Homes, Elk Horn Lutheran Church, or the Danish Immigrant Museum, he did not back down. During his lifetime, he did what he could to promote his community. Warren was a lifetime member of The Better Elk Horn Club, Danish Windmill, Danish Immigrant Museum, served on the Salem Lutheran Board, and was a member of the American Legion Post # 322. In 1993 Warren & Gudrun built a home in Elk Horn. Warren's favorite pastime at home was spending time working with his grandson's, Brad and Blake, building and enjoying his model train set. All of the grandchildren and great grandchildren were thrilled when Grandpa allowed them to run his electric train. In 2011, Warren and Gudrun moved to Salem Lutheran Homes. Even at Salem he continued to welcome people and make them feel at home. The staff at Salem lovingly cared for Warren until his passing. Preceding him in death were his wife Gudrun; his parents James & Mayme Jacobsen; daughter Gwen Rosheim; son Dean Jacobsen, mother & father-in-law Pete & Olga Pedersen; brothers & sisters in law Emery Hoegh, Leon Hoegh, Leroy Pedersen, Joyce Strandskov, Helen Nielsen and Margery Hansen. Warren is survived by his daughter, Paulette (Chris) Myers of Boone; daughter-in-law Deb (James) Bieker of Elk Horn; eleven grandchildren: Christopher (Tammie) Greve; Maria Rosheim; Aaron (Kerrie) Rosheim; Chad (Amy) Jacobsen; Ryan (Melissa) Jacobsen; Heather (Ben) Yost; Heidi (Matt) Carlson; Dena Putnam; Lindsay (Dameon) Place; Brad and Blake Myers; twenty-four great-grandchildren; sisters Izy Hoegh of Atlantic, Janet Hoegh of Atlantic, Mary (Roger) Klopp of LeMars, Sonja (Dick) Switzer of Omaha, brothers-in-law Dallas Hansen of Elk Horn and Halvor (Laura) Strandskov of Osterville, MA; sister-in-law Clara Pedersen of Elk Horn; many other caring relatives, neighbors & friends. Funeral Service Saturday, August 17, 2013, 10:30 AM Elk Horn Lutheran Church Elk Horn, Iowa Officiating Reverend Keith Menter Salem Home Chaplain Paul Reynolds Special Music Brad Myers, Blake Myers and Dameon Place "Redeemed" and "Because He Lives" Congregational Hymns Janell Hansen, Accompanist Casket Bearers ~ Warren's Grandsons Christopher Greve Chad Jacobsen Ryan Jacobsen Aaron Rosheim Brad Myers Blake Myers Interment Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery Elk Horn, Iowa