Obituary for Alan S. Jacobson

December 16, 1952 — October 13, 2023

formerly of Barnes

Alan "Big Al" Scott Jacobson, age 70, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Mulder Health Care Center in West Salem, WI, after a four year battle with Lewy body dementia.

Al was born on December 16, 1952, in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Harry Lee and Bonnie Ruth (Hess) Jacobson. He was a 1971 graduate of Superior High School in Superior, WI.

Al married Catherine Ann Bukovich on May 19, 1979, at his parents’ home at Sand Bar Lake in Barnes, WI, with Reverend Joseph Jenkins officiating. Their first date was at Dreamland Supper Club outside of Superior, WI, followed by a Waylon Jennings concert, and the couple remained best friends up to the very end.

Barnes was home for Al and Cathy for 43 years where they raised their family, formed many close friendships, and actively served in a variety of community events. In 2022, they moved to La Crosse, WI, to be closer to the healthcare resources and family support that is so important when a loved one struggles with a progressive brain disorder.

For 42 years, Al worked as a journeyman boilermaker at Fraser Shipyards in Superior, WI. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of the Boilermakers (Union Local 117). During the summers, Al worked with Vacationland Surveying as a survey technician. In 2019, he was recognized for his 31 years of service as a seasonal wildfire technician with the Barnes DNR. After retirement, Al worked three days a week at the Barnes Transfer Site as a transfer station attendant (or ‘dump man’ as Al would say). He will always be remembered for his playful jokes and humor.

Early in his life, Al enjoyed pitching and infielding on the ball field and playing right wing on the hockey rink. He also bowled for 18 years at Skoglunds and won the league championship many times. Al was an avid Packers, Brewers, and NASCAR fan (attending three different NASCAR racing events with friends in his lifetime). His other favorite hobbies included playing cribbage and trivia and watching Westerns and other old TV shows. Visits from family and giggles with his grandkids brought a smile to Al’s face like no other.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 45 years, Cathy Jacobson of La Crosse; children, Alayna (Mike) Burger of Superior, WI, Adam (Angela) Jacobson of Durand, WI, and Dusty (Leanne) Jacobson of Fort Atkinson, WI; grandchildren, Taylor Burger, Brooklyn Burger, Jack Jacobson, Stuart Jacobson, and Tess Jacobson; bonus grandchildren, Cora (Brandon) Carriveau, Eden Graceffa, and Bella Graceffa; bonus great-grandchild, Ellie Carriveau; brother, Gary Jacobson; sister, Cheryl Jacobson; sister-in-law, Mary (David) Schultz, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Bonnie Jacobson, and brother, Terry Jacobson.

A small memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Fireclay Court Community Center, 4350 Fireclay Ct., La Crosse, WI.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Barnes Memorial Cemetery, 2810 Ellison Lake Rd., Barnes, WI. After the service, a celebration of Al’s life will be held at noon at the Barnes VFW, 52325 Lake Rd., Barnes, WI.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the 5th floor staff at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse and Mulder Health Care Center in West Salem for ensuring the final days of Al’s journey were peaceful.

Fredrickson Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com

Cheers, Al. This Bud’s for you!