Robert "Bob" Jacobson

Robert E. Jacobson, 94, a beloved husband, cherished father, dedicated educator, and compassionate volunteer, passed away on March 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service. Bob was born on May 3, 1931, to the late Hugo and Florence Jacobson in the city of Rockford Illinois. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lynn and his sister, Jean Bibler. He earned his BS in agriculture from the University of Illinois in 1953. After serving in the US Army in Korea, he went back to Illinois to complete an MS degree in 1956 and a PhD in 1960, both in agricultural economics. From 1960-1964, Bob worked for the Federal Extension Service of the USDA as a Dairy Economist. From 1964-1992, he was a faculty member at Ohio State with primary emphasis on dairy marketing and a secondary focus on agricultural cooperatives. He earned the 1974 AAEA Published Research Award and was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2000. While at OSU, he took three professional leaves which included a Dairy Economist position at the University of California-Davis, a Visiting Professor role at the National University of Ireland (Cork), and a Visiting Professor role at the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan. Beyond his career and military service, Bob was an active member of Linworth United Methodist Church. He taught the adult bible study class there for over 40 years. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he lived out his beliefs through service to others. Bob loved to not only volunteer at the church but also volunteering at the local Kiwanis Club. In addition to volunteering, Bob loved to travel. He traveled the world with his wife Mary Lynn and enjoyed the culture and diversity of visiting countries around the world. Outside of traveling, Bob loved to read, especially history books, and he was an avid golfer. Bob will be greatly missed by his children, Lauren Jacobson, David Jacobson, Mark Jacobson, and Andy (Karen) Jacobson; grandchildren, Benjamin and Fiona McConnell, Nathaniel and Samuel Jacobson, and Dexter and Vera Jacobson; and numerous extended family and close family friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Bob’s memory may be made to Linworth United Methodist Church or Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11am at Linworth United Methodist Church.