Karl Thomas Jacobson, 39, of Bemidji, died on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, following a long struggle with bi-polar disorder.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Lutheran Church in Bemidji with the Rev. Corey Fuhrman officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with time for sharing memories beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Northern Township Cemetery in Bemidji.

Karl was born Aug. 14, 1974, in Bemidji, the son of Larry and Connie Jacobson. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. Karl was educated at Northern Elementary School, Bemidji Middle School and High School; graduating in 1993. While he could be mischievous, his teachers appreciated his kindness and desire to learn; excelling at academics. Karl was president of his sophomore class; he participated in football, hockey and track and was a member of the National Honor Society. Karl attended Bemidji State University; graduating in 1997 with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology with a concentration in construction management. His adviser at BSU stated he was an excellent student with a great sense of humor.  During his freshman year he was a member of the track and field team competing in the pole vault. Karl received several scholarships, including two from Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. In 1996 he worked a summer internship with Kraus-Anderson. Pleased with his work ethic and approachable personality, Kraus-Anderson asked him to continue working for them during his senior year at BSU. Following graduation, he continued his career with Kraus/Anderson as an estimator and assistant project manager and soon advanced to project manager, managing numerous commercial construction projects in northern Minnesota. In 2004 he left Kraus-Anderson and entered into a business relationship with his parents at Slim’s Bar and Grill in Bemidji, where he had worked during his college years. He started as a partner in 2005 and became sole owner in 2007. Working by his side in the operation of his business were his wife Erin Fellman Jacobson and long time, treasured manager Lisa Freise. It was his pleasure to serve many friends and loyal customers. He was also blessed with many wonderful employees.

On April 20, 2005, he married Erin Christine Fellman, his fourth grade sweetheart, in Costa Rica. Karl and Erin were blessed with two beautiful children. Karl was funny, bright, athletic and mechanically inclined. These traits were clearly reflected in the hobbies he loved; enduro racing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing and skating, but his greatest joy in life came from his family and friends. His fun loving nature and mischievous smile will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Erin Fellman Jacobson; children, Easten Thomas and Norah Christine; parents, Larry and Connie Jacobson; sister, Erika (John) Ahlbrecht; nephew, Jasper Ahlbrecht; grandpa, Wilbur Kraft; special great uncle and aunt, Wayne (Corrine) Jacobson Sr.; Erin’s parents, Pat and Pat Knoer and Randy Fellman; Erin’s siblings, Amy (Chris) Kvam, Sarah (John) Stanko, Michele Knoer, Shanyn (Charly) Sayler, Claire Fellman and Zach Fellman; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ernest and Rosella Jacobson; maternal grandmother, Janet Ayers; and maternal step-grandmother, Leona Kraft.

While the sorrow the family feels is nearly unbearable, they will find some comfort in knowing that his mind is finally at peace.

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.