Funeral services for Reuben Orville Jacobson, of New Richland, will be held

2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland. The Rev. Charles Espe will officiate. Visitation will be held today, Feb. 19, at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland from 4 to 8 p.m., and one hour

prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery.

Reuben was born to Peter and Anna Jacobson in rural Steele County on Jan. 3, 1912. He attended country school and was both baptized and confirmed at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church. In this same church, Reuben and Ellen Daffinrud became husband and wife on Oct. 27, 1938.

Reuben spent most of his working years as a farmer. After selling the farm in the I960s, he and Ellen moved to New Richland. He worked for a number of employers, including his church as a custodian, Ringhofer Meats, Owatonna Manufacturing Co., Truth Tool Co., Owatonna High School, Montgomery Ward, the New Richland Care Center and Hullepeter Meats. Finally, after working for several years as the custodian at New Richland City Hall, he retired at age 84.

Reuben died of congestive heart failure at the age of 92 on Feb. 16, 2004. Ellen preceded him in death in July 1983.

Reuben is survived by his three children: Harlow, a retired pastor who lives in Oregon with his wife Nancy, Dale, a resident of Ellendale, and Lorna and her husband Darrel Johnson of Albert Lea. Others who survive include a brother, Harold and his wife Martha of Ellendale; one sister, Isabel Wangen and her husband Ingbert of Owatonna; and one sister-in-law, Gilma Armstrong of Hartland.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael, Holly Erin, Scott and Stacy; great-grandchildren: Jase, Grace and Conner; and numerous nieces and nephews.