Kermit W. Jacobson

YAKIMA - Kermit William Jacobson, 80, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, at home, in his sleep, on Monday, October 15, 2012. Kermit was born on February 28, 1932 in Virginia, Minnesota. He grew up in the Northern Minnesota town of Cook and spent his younger years working in logging camps and on the Great Lakes.

Kermit married Carol Ann (Bartnik) on July 31, 1964 in Portland, Oregon. They moved to Yakima in 1966 and established a successful Kirby business, which they owned and operated for 20 years. Kermit established several more businesses in Central Washington, including KC Jacobson Realty, Carol's Fitness Salon, Kermit's Active Vacuum and Sewing, and Fitness for Women. Kermit had a zest for life. He never retired, operating two businesses up until the time of his death. When asked why he was still working at 80 years old he would reply with his characteristic big smile and with enthusiasm in his voice, "Because I can." Kermit loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Not only was he a terrific father, he was an exceptional grandfather, helping to raise some of his grandchildren, and recently as a great grandpa he has been helping to raise his great granddaughter Alexa. He loved to talk and because he was a voracious reader and lifelong learner with the ability to store a tremendous amount of knowledge, he had a lot to talk about. His family and friends will carry loving memories of time well spent conversing with him on a variety of topics. Living, loving and learning were the capstones of his life.

Kermit is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; his children, Mike (Debbie) Jacobson of Rosemead, California, Dena Jacobson of Yakima, Eric Jacobson of Gilbert, Arizona, Kristin (Ben) Hocker of Madras, Oregon, Yasmine (Dave) Purdey of Monroe, Washington, Doug Jacobson of Grand Mound, Washington, and Bill Werner of Issaquah, Washington; his grandchildren, Tana and Sara Purdey, Ashley Lutovsky and Whitney Thorne, Joshua and Jessa Hocker, Ethan and Aiden Jacobson, and Daniel and Timothy Jacobson; and his great granddaughters Alexa La Pier and Addison Lutovsky. Kermit is also survived by two brothers, Warren (Connie) Jacobson of Hamil, Minnesota and Paul (Celina) Jacobson of Portland, Oregon and his sister Anne (Ron) Kruger of Yakima and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Melia Jacobson and three grandsons, twins, Harley and Hayden Jacobson and Caleb Jacobson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 2:00 PM Sunday October 21, 2012 in the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel, located at 2807 Terrace Heights Drive. To share a memory of Kermit please visit www.keithandkeith.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Living Care Circle of Friends c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home. To share a memory of

Kermit please visit www.keithandkeith.com