Robert James Jacobs, 84, Saxon

   SAXON, Wis. – Robert James Jacobson, of Saxon, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Wausau, at the age of 84 years old.

   Robert was born on Nov. 3, 1941, in Paynesville, Michigan, to Norman and Mary (Lassila) Jacobson. He was born the fifth of nine children. Robert attended Paynesville School and graduated from Ewen-Trout Creek High School. He continued his education at Michigan State University and earned a degree in police administration.

   Robert was ordered to active duty by the U.S. Army on April 4, 1964, where he served as a military police officer. On April 3, 1966, he was honorably discharged and attained the rank of first lieutenant. Robert then remained in the U.S. Army Reserves until Jan. 2, 1970.

   He met his wife, the former Lona Seppamaki, in Bruce Crossing, Michigan. They were married on April 3, 1965.

   Robert had a deep love for his family. He spent most of his free time surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He ardently supported his wife’s creative endeavors, including cutting wood panels needed for her paintings. His other hobbies were working on old cars, collecting rare coins and building model cars in his workroom.

   Robert was reserved at times, but everyone knew how much he loved and believed in his family. He had high expectations for his daughters and grandchildren because he knew they were capable of living up to it. Robert taught them that the only barrier to one’s achievements was how hard they were willing to work.

   Robert will be lovingly remembered, and has left a lasting mark on all he knew.

   Robert is survived by his children, Teresa (Brian) Robinett and Lori (Jay) Seppanen; and his four grandchildren, Brian Robinett, Austin Robinett, Karl Seppanen and Kalle Seppanen. He also lives on through his siblings and in-laws, Judy Hansen, Kenneth (Verna) Jacobson, Mary Jo (Robert) Hardes, Ronald (Donna) Seppamaki and Mike Nousiainen; and several other extended family members.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lona, on May 12, 2025; his siblings, Norman Jr., Teddy, Paul, Tom, Dave and Kathy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Isaac and Edna Seppamaki; and his siblings-in-law, Judy Jacobson, Kathy Seppamaki, Larry Hansen and Allen Seppamaki.

   A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at 12:30 p.m., at the United Methodist Church, 706 Putnam St., in Wakefield, Michigan, with the Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating.

   Full military rites will be accorded at the church just prior to the service by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

   Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.