Janice Kay Jacobson passed away on July 6, 2026, at Sumner Community Memorial Hospital at the age of 83.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. Interment followed at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sumner. Visitation was Friday, July 10th, at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the Church on Saturday. Memorials may be made in Jan’s name to Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, SEMS, Sumner American Legion or Auxiliary.
Jan was born on February 4, 1943, in Spencer, Iowa, to Earnest and Margaret Brawner. Jan lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and steady care for the people she loved, and she will be remembered as a loving, friendly, and thoughtful woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her.
Jan graduated from Milford High School in 1960 and soon began a life shaped by family, service, and community. She traveled to England while her husband, Dean, served in the United States Army, an experience that reflected both her support for him and her willingness to embrace the journey that life placed before her. After returning to Ruthven for several years, she and her family moved to Ortonville, Minnesota, before settling in Sumner in 1968, where she made her home for the rest of her life. Jan also enjoyed the fellowship and fun of her bowling league, playing cards, golfing and going to her grandkids games and events. She also enjoyed baking birthday cakes for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These interests gave her time for laughter, friendship, and relaxation, and they reflected her appreciation for good company and meaningful connection.
In Sumner, Jan built a long and respected career at Sumner Community Memorial Hospital, where she served faithfully in the Dietary Department. Prior to her time at CMH, she was the secretary at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner for several years. Her work ethic, dependability, and gentle spirit made her a valued part of the hospital family for many years. Her service extended beyond her employment, as she was also active in the community through St. John’s WELCA, where she served as secretary, and as a member of the Sumner Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her four sons, Scott Jacobson (Lorie Buseman) of Sumner, Steve (Kelly) Jacobson of West Des Moines, Mike Jacobson of Canyon Lake, Texas, and Jeff (Yvonne) Jacobson of Oswego, Illinois. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Karissa (Patrick), Jaiden, Jordon, Dalton (Michaela), Levi, Zach, Maddie, Payton, Shaye, and Paxton, as well as five great-grandchildren, Harper, Easton, Hayden, Sloane and Otto who brought her great pride and joy,;siblings, Leslie Brawner of Bellevue, Nebraska and Gary Brawner of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Joyce Brawner of Anchorage, Alaska; Kathy Jacobson of Anoka, Minnesota; and Sue Jacobson of Story City; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Jacobson; her siblings, Darrel (Ardyce) Brawner, Marlene (Arnold) Dodge, Orval (Karen) Brawner and Harold Brawner; and sister-in-law, Claire Brawner.
Janice Kay Jacobson will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her legacy is one of devotion, kindness, and steadfast love. Though she is no longer present in body, the example she set and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
