Kenneth E. Jacobsen, Sr.

Kenneth Elliott Jacobsen: March 11 ^th , 1940 to March 25 ^th , 2019

Kenneth Elliott Jacobsen departed March 25th at the age of 79 from Alzheimer’s and complications brought on by pneumonia. The beloved husband of the late Audrey Jacobsen for 50 years, Ken is survived by his two sons, two daughter in-laws, and five grandchildren. His eldest son Ken Jacobsen, Jr lives in Commerce, Michigan with his wife Stephanie, son Bryce and daughter Aspen. His youngest son Keith Jacobsen, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Mary, sons Neil and Cooper, and daughter Elena.

Although Ken and Audrey were born and married in the state of New York, they have lived in Northville, Michigan and the surrounding area since 1973. Ken was born in Brooklyn, New York to Jacob and Betty Jacobsen and had two sisters; Sandy and Arlene. Ken grew up in and around New York City. His mother raised the kids while his father was away much of the time as a chief engineer for Mobil Oil tankers. Ken had many stories of growing up with his sisters. He loved to tell stories, both nonfiction and fiction.

Ken and Audrey met while he was in the Air Force and stationed in upstate New York. Audrey was hanging out at a bar with her best friend Carol. Ken was there with his Air Force buddies including his best friend George. Love must have really been in the air that night because both Ken and Audrey, and Carol and George got married. In June of 1964 in Whitesboro, New York, Ken and Audrey began a long and happy marriage. After getting married, they moved to Long Island, New York and bought a house in Holbrook where their first son, Ken Jr, was born in 1968. After Ken accepted a job with Ford Motor Company in 1972, they became Michiganders. The next year, their second son, Keith, was born and they bought a home in Northville on Byrne Court. Ken held many positions over the years at Ford. He was a noise and vibration specialist, manager, engineer and even spent some time in the crash group. Of course, the family would often tease him that he had been a crash test dummy.

Joking, teasing and loving are all things people remember most about Ken. One of his favorites stories was to tell the family he knows he doesn’t snore because he stayed up all night once to check and he didn’t hear himself snore once. He liked to have fun but was also a hard worker and always willing to help others. He was very active in the Boy Scouts, Crossroads of Michigan, and at several churches the family attended over the years. In fact, he was probably the only Lutheran lay reader in the Episcopal Church, he liked to tell folks. After leaving the Episcopal Church, Ken and Audrey became active at the First United Methodist Church of Northville. After Ken retired, they liked to travel throughout the United States and Europe, spend time with the grandkids, visit with friends, and eat out. They were frequent patrons at Rebecca’s and Guernsey’s in Northville. They have often been described as second parents to their son’s friends. They were always inquiring about school, life and family, and was always happy to offer encouragement and love.

Ken was a loving father, gracious neighbor, caring friend, good listener, and hard worker. He’ll be missed by many but forgotten by none.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5pm to 8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W Dunlap St, Northville, MI. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 777 W. 8 Mile Rd., Northville. The service will be followed by a luncheon gathering at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Northville - Youth Missions Fund, 777 W. 8 Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167.