Michael John Jacobsen

Mike was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 7, 1951, to Stanley and Arlene Jacobsen. He spent his childhood in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, where he gave up piano lessons to play Little League baseball, play basketball, and learned to play golf. He later moved to Whittier, California, with his parents and younger brother. He graduated from Whittier High School in 1970, where he excelled in sports – basketball, track, and tennis. After high school, Mike entered the Navy and later earned his AA degree from Rio Hondo Community College.

While attending Rio Hondo College, Mike joined the Southern California Youth Chorale (SCYC). He spent three summers performing with SCYC throughout Europe and Japan.

In 1978, Mike met the love of his life, Theresa Lavarda, and married her on September 26, 1981. They lived in Whittier, California, the first 12 years of their married life and later moved to their current home in Yorba Linda, California, where he lived until his death.

Mike was an avid Los Angeles Lakers basketball fan and rarely missed a televised game. He loved scouring the Sports section of the newspaper the day after a game to relive the highlights. Mike held a great appreciation for music, particularly progressive rock and classical music, as well as movies, especially science fiction. His introduction to classical music began at a young age by his mother who was classically trained. The Beatles were his first favorite band from the time they were introduced to the United States. Mike’s CD and DVD libraries fill an entire room.

Mike had a way of making friends with his outgoing personality and easy-going manner. He never knew a stranger. He was well versed on current events and sports, which helped him to easily strike up conversations. This quality attributed to his success in his route sales jobs.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene. He is survived by his wife, Theresa; his father, Stanley; and his brother, Paul Jacobsen (sister-in-law Roxanne).

A funeral service will be held at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, located at 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832, on September 27, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A separate graveside service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park, located at 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, September 29.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Orange County Chapter, Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice.