Lynn Douglas Jacobsen

Kenesaw resident, Lynn Douglas Jacobsen passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Kenesaw, NE.

A Memorial Open House will be held on Thursday, March 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Platte Duetsch. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials for future designation to 1219 N. 7th Ave, Hastings, NE 68901. 

Lynn was born on January 14, 1953, to Lester and Burdette Jacobsen. He was raised on the family farm just one mile west of Elba. From an early age, he balanced farm work with youthful mischief—sneaking off for a quick game on the hayloft hoop—and these early experiences shaped a life full of work and passion.

In his youth, Lynn excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, representing the Elba Bluejays and playing Legion Baseball in St. Paul. One of the memorable highlights was as the starting pitcher in a high-profile game against the Class State A State Champs from Grand Island. His efforts on the mound helped secure a celebrated upset victory during the opening of the brand-new ballpark in St. Paul. After graduating from Elba in 1971, Lynn briefly attended Kearney State to play both basketball and baseball before returning to work on the family farm with his father. In the eighties, his career took him into the realm of irrigation and construction—first with the Farwell Irrigation District, and later with Peter Kiewit & Sons, where he worked in the grade department across the country until retiring in Fort Smith, AR.

No matter where life took him, sports remained close to Lynn’s heart. Whether he was playing town team basketball in Scotia against Husker football players, making his mark in the fast-pitch softball leagues in Grand Island on teams like PBR and Home Federal, or winning golf club championships at St. Paul Country Club and The Links of Fort Smith. He even kept his promise to never lose a one-on-one match to his son. His genuine approach to life earned him lifelong friendships at home in Nebraska and across the country.

Lynn will be remembered not only for his athletic prowess but also for his authenticity, charm, and his readiness to embrace life with a spirit that was uniquely his own.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Lester and his brother, Errol.

SURVIVORS:
Mother:
    Burdette 
Brother:
    Lee 
Daughter:
    Shannan 
Son: 
    Anthony 
Grandchildren:
    Brendan 
    Jillian 
    Holden 
    Halle