Melvin "Mel" "Jake" L.

Jacobson

Melvin “Mel” “Jake” L. Jacobson, age 88, of New Holstein, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Field of Dreams Assisted Living in Kiel.

Melvin was born on February 25, 1938 in Laona, WI, son of the late Lyle & Gladys (Tipton) Jacobson. Mel was a graduate of Laona High School, class of 1956. He furthered his education by attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with two degrees in 1960 and 1961. He then went on to earn his Masters in US History from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He married his love and junior high sweetheart, Carol Grumann on August 30, 1958, and they have always been together on their adventures. Small children in tow, they were together through school and then to Mel’s first and only career as a teacher in the New Holstein school district. Mel and Carol had to ask, “Where is New Holstein?” when he was offered the job! And they almost didn’t stay, for they couldn’t find an apartment. But the superintendent at the time found them a place, and here they stayed for their lives together. Mel was a High School History Teacher at New Holstein High School his entire working career, the Athletic Director for New Holstein for 30 years, and was very involved with the school system. He and Carol didn’t want to just work here. They wanted to really live here. And this was reflected in his volunteer commitments with the New Holstein Kiwanis Club and the City of New Holstein Police and Fire Commission. Mel loved hunting: deer, duck, grouse, rabbit, squirrel, goose,...he truly enjoyed it. He also loved to read and was always learning. He and Carol often planned their family vacations around historical places. Mel enjoyed the Civil War Era; from its guns, forts, Mountain Men, and the Land of Lincoln, the family saw it all. But most importantly, Mel loved his family and spending time with them.

Mel is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol of New Holstein; their children and in-laws: Jane (Kent) Yunker of St. Croix Falls, WI, Bruce of Chilton, Michael MSgt (Retired) (Lisa) of New Holstein, Thomas of Reston, VA, and Patricia (Andrew) Martini of Henderson, NV; grandchildren: Nicholas Yunker, Kathryn Burchette, Kevin Jacobson, Rebecca Jacobson, Jessica (Daniel) Hamann, Holly (James) Gamez, Erik (special friend, Amber) Jacobson, Amanda Gamble, William and Emma Jacobson, Jacob (fiancée Tiffany), Adam, Madelyn (Zak Miller), and Isaiah Groth; great-grandchildren: Connor Yunker, Jayda (fiancé Viktor) Burchette, Sawyer Jacobson, Izzabella, Adalae, and Caroline Hamann, Eli, Logan, Mason, Isabella, and Brady Gamez, Quinn Jacobson, Demitri Gamble, Irene, Luna, Rory, and Leo Miller; nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lyle & Gladys; father-in-law: Richard Grumann; mother-in-law: Edna (Gilbert) Grumann Anhalt; sister and brother-in-law: Sylvia & Gerald Hetfield; and other relatives.

There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. There will be an update posted on the www.pielhop.com website when the event will be taking place.

Mel will be laid to rest at the Town of Laona Cemetery in Laona, Wisconsin.

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the loving care of Mel in his final days and hours. Their compassion and attention far exceeded their expectations. They were a true blessing.

Carol and the family would also like to thank the staff at Field of Dreams Assisted Living in Kiel for their attentive care over the last almost four years. You continued to give meaning to his life in his most difficult years and for that we are immensely grateful.

The family has chosen Pielhop Sippel Funeral Homes & Cremation Care Centers to honor Melvin’s legacy of life.