Marjorie Jacobson

Marjorie A. Jacobson - (Ditter) - Age 94, died peacefully, with family at her side, on March 27, 2025, in Appleton. Marge was born in Appleton on May 17, 1930, to the late Margaret (Bootz) and Joseph Ditter. She graduated from Kaukauna High School as the salutatorian. While there, she met Gordy, the love of her life. They were married in 1949 and went on to raise six children. Together they owned and operated several businesses in the hospitality industry over the years, including the Side Pocket, the Iron Horse, the Caboose, and the Phoenix. Marge had a huge presence in the community and was considered a “second mom” to the many high school teenagers who frequented these, their favorite places. In 1980, she moved to Florida with her late husband Gordy. She happily resided on beautiful Crescent Beach on Siesta Key for the next 43 years. There she enjoyed frequent visits from her children and grandchildren. For several years, she was the president of the Gulf and Bay Condominium Owners Association, receiving its Distinguished Service Award in 2020. Each year she returned to Kaukauna in time for Mother’s Day and her birthday. Marge loved puzzles, especially crosswords and jigsaws. She made them multi- generational family pastimes. She loved to travel, visiting five continents. Her last two major trips were a tented safari in Tanzania at age 84, and a family cruise to Norway, fulfilling a life-long desire to see the fjords, at age 89. She will be remembered for her kind heart and impish sense of humor that made her blue eyes sparkle with glee. She almost never raised her voice, preferring instead to “plant a seed” and allowing us to believe it was our own idea. Marge is survived by six children: Michael (Nancy); Joseph (Linda) and their children: Sophia, Jamie, and Jordyn; Kurt (Donna) and their children: Hannah (Ryan) Skaar, Haley (Michael) Van Abel, and Hattie Jacobson (Ethan Mora); Eric (Linda Mischler) and his children: Katelyn James and Jaric Jacobson; Ann Bonneville (Edward) and her children: Lauren (Dan) Van Ryzin and Adam Francis; and Karen Lehrer (Patrick) and their children: Christopher (Lauren) Lehrer, Nicholas (Victoria) Lehrer, and Brooke Lehrer. Also surviving are a sister: Mary Martin, and nine great-grandchildren, soon to be 11; August, Theodore, and Marlow Van Abel; Lorelai Skaar; Kingston James; Adalynn, Natalie, and Jonah Van Ryzin; and Hadley Lehrer. In addition to her parents, Marge was preceded in death by her husband: Gordon O. Jacobson; her in-laws: Clarence and Rose (Misling) Jacobson; a sister-in-law: Marjorie Jablonski, and two brothers-in-law: John Martin and Ralph Jablonski. She will be deeply missed, but her memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. The funeral will be held at noon on Tuesday, June 3, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St., Kaukauna. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marge’s memory to the Gordon O. Jacobson Foundation, Inc., which was founded to provide scholarships to high school students, at 1219 Appleton Road, Menasha, WI 54952. The family deeply appreciates and thanks the many care givers that helped Marge over the last several years. The family would like to share a poem (slightly modified) that Marge chose for her beloved Gordy. It is time for us to say goodbye to our mother, grandmother, sister, friend. You taught us how to live life well right to the very end. In the eyes of your grandchildren, we see the reflection of you. These precious gifts are what will see us through. So long, farewell, what will be, will be. We love you so much. Rest peacefully.

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com