Elizabeth J. Jacobson

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Jacobson, 88, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

     A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., with the Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson officiating.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at the Clear Lake Arts Center and then one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.  Following the service at the church, special graveside services for Betty and Warren will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake Arts Center or Hospice of North Iowa.

Betty was born Aug. 9, 1927, in Clear Lake, the daughter of Owen Allen and Mabel Ione (Everitt) Roberts. She attended grade school in Manly, then country school in Austin, Minn. and Mason City Junior High. She attended Mason City High School, graduating from Clear Lake High School in 1945.  She attended La James Beauty School, graduating in 1947.

Betty married Warren E. Jacobson, her high school sweetheart, in November 1947, Clear Lake. They were married for almost 65 years and raised three children.

Betty worked as a hairdresser at the Eadmar Hotel, Mason City, then started her own shop called the Beauty Base from 1951 – 1964 in her home on 1st Avenue N., Clear Lake. After that she was a homemaker, volunteer and occasionally worked at Ingersoll Flower Shop arranging flowers. Betty was active as a tour guide at Opportunity Village, was a founding member of the Clear Lake Concert Association, chairman and official chaperone for Miss North Iowa, a member of the National Hairdressers Association, officer of the National Parent-Teacher Association, Cub Scout leader, Beta Sigma Phi (joined in 1948), National TTT and the Clear Lake Arts Center.

     Betty was always creative and crafty, but took up oil painting as a passion in 1976.  She was a member of the North Iowa Artists Guild and helped launch a weekly painting day at the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Center.  She also enjoyed art classes learning watercolor and other mediums, teaching others to paint telling them, “talent is 90% desire.”  She received many award ribbons on her work.  Betty has left behind a lasting legacy in the many paintings her family and friends possess.   

     Betty’s other passions were bridge club, traveling, camping, snow skiing until she was 70, cartwheels on her birthday, and entertaining friends.

Betty was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church where she was active in church leadership, Altar Guild over 30 years, United Methodist Women Circle, and choir. She chaperoned youth trips and was a wedding coordinator at the church for many years. All three of her children were married in the church.

     In retirement, Warren and Betty enjoyed many years traveling in their motorhome, seeing the country, visiting family and making new friends.

     Betty is survived by her three children, Larry (Sue) Jacobson, Minong, Wis., Paul (Cynthia) Jacobson, The Colony, Tex. and Susan (Brian) Larson, Ames, Iowa; six grandchildren, Joel (Andrea) Jacobson, Julia (Darin) Glanzer, Erica (Brent) Berger, Paige (Chad) Rabon, Courtney (Charles) Lockin and Shelby Larson; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly (Tom) Burnett, Eden Prairie, Minn.; brothers, Bob (Leatrice) Roberts, Ridgeway, Colo. and David (Karen) Roberts, Falls Church, Va.; sister-in-law, Pat Jacobson, Clear Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

     Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren Jacobson (Sept 7, 2011); brother and sister-in-law, John and Barbara Tesene; and two nephews, Thomas Burnett Jr. and David Roberts Jr.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.