Sally B. Jacobsen, 84 of Sarona, WI., died peacefully with family by her side on November 20, 2024, at Boulder Ponds Senior Living Center in Lake Elmo, MN.

Sally was born on January 24, 1940, in Park Falls, WI., to Kenneth and Lavella Dane. She graduated from Park Falls High School in 1958. She married Maynard Matthys on May 19, 1962. Together they proudly raised their two daughters Kay and Jane. They owned and operated A&W Restaurants in both Park Falls and River Falls, WI. Maynard preceded Sally in death in 1991. Sally served as a Grand Officer in the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a long-serving member of First Lutheran Church in Barron, WI., where she was on Altar Guild and in the forefront of decorating the most glorious Christmas trees.

Sally later married Howard Jacobsen. They made quite the pair and were fortunate to travel extensively. After Howard’s death, Sally permanently moved to ‘the lake’ where most of her days were spent on the go gallivanting. She became a member of Long Lake Lutheran Church (LLLC) in Sarona, WI., where she served as chair of the Evangelism committee. Sally had a natural ability to connect with people and draw them into conversation. This gift made her the designated greeter at LLLC for many years.

Sally entertained like no other, planned with finesse and organized with ease. She was “queen” of hosting impromptu gatherings at her home. She wouldn’t sit down until she had ensured that all guests had a place to sit, a drink in hand, appetizers within reach, and were having a good time. Hosting dinner parties also brought Sally much joy. She always served an abundance of delicious food on a beautifully set table. Sally was an exceptional mother and grandmother. She loved her family and was thrilled to spend as much time as she could with them.

Sally was also blessed with so many wonderful friends and she was a wonderful friend in return. She placed great value and time in maintaining friendships. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and later in life she gardened like a pro. Sally was an instigator of fun and you could be sure, laughs would be had. Sally took pride in her degree of ingenuity, often claiming she missed her calling as an “engineer.” She could jury rig anything with ease. She remained very active into her early 80’s, mowing her own yard (safety governor removed allowing for increased mowing speed) and plowing her own snow. She was truly a force to be reckoned with and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by daughters, Kay Matthys of Guaymas, Mexico and Jane (David) Clausen of Cottage Grove, MN; Grandsons Alec and Dane Meyerhoff and Granddaughter Ellee Clausen. She is also survived by Howard’s children, Kurt Jacobsen of Waynesville, OH., Julia Jacobsen of Cameron, WI., and Kurt’s daughter, Elizabeth Jacobsen of Portland, OR.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Maynard Matthys and Howard Jacobsen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Long Lake Lutheran Church, W3114 Church Road, Sarona, WI, 54870, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:00 a.m.until the time of service. A private interment at Wayside Cemetery in Barron will take place at a later date. Assisting with the arrangements and serving the family is Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the loving and compassionate caregivers, nurses, and staff at Boulder Ponds Senior Living. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, Sally’s wishes were that memorials be made to Long Lake Lutheran Church, Butternut Area Historical Society, or a charity of your choice.

Last Update: Nov 24, 2024 2:23 pm CST