Roger Jacobson

Roger Jacobson, 73, of Ames, Iowa, passed away April 16, 2015, with his daughter at his side after a courageous battle against cancer. Services were held on Friday, April 24, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames with an additional service on Saturday, May 9, at the Friendship House in Portland, Ore.

Roger Claude Jacobson was born June 19, 1941, to Claude Everett and Marguerite Jacobson, in Mason City, Iowa. Roger graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1959. He then graduated from the Mason City Community College in 1962, State College of Iowa (UNI) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964, and received a master’s degree from Drake University in 1987. He taught at Knoxville, Algona and then Ames High, where he was also a swim coach in his early years, as well as coaching Mock Trail. He was the first teacher in the state of Iowa to start a PFLAG chapter at a high school.  He taught overseas in Kuwait 1981-1983 and in Australia 1992-1993. 

Roger was a member at Unitarian Fellowship of Ames, the Town and Country Kiwanis of Ames, Humanist of Greater Portland, UU Congregation of Portland, Senior Studies of Portland, as well as many other political and equal rights causes. He traveled the world never leaving behind a stranger.  His travels included the US, Europe, Kuwait, Australia, South East Asia, Africa, China and beyond.  He lived part of the year in Portland where he found a great community.  He was passionate about community, politics and equal rights.

Roger is survived by two children, Matia (Nate) Fisher, of Ames, and Kevin (Kelly) Jacobson, of Slater, Iowa; four grandchildren, Matthew, Maggie, Benjamin Jacobson-Fisher and Rainn Jacobson; one sister, Marcia (Marv) Black, of Arkansas; three nieces; and all non-related family in Ames, Portland and worldwide.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be designated to the family. Adams Funeral Home, in Ames, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.adamssoderstrum.com.