Abner M. Jacobson

Abner M. Jacobson, 93, of Benson, died peacefully Tuesday May 7, 2019 at Homestead North in Benson, under Rice Hospice Care and the caring staff at Homestead North.  A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18 with a visitation two hours prior to the service at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 800 10th Street South, Benson. A reception will follow. Interment will be in Rolling Forks Cemetery near Swift Falls.   Memorials preferred to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Rice Hospice-Benson or donor’s choice. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Homes in Willmar.  www.hafh.org       

Abner was born June 14, 1925 in Rolling Forks Township, Pope County, the son of Peter and Nanna Jacobson.  He was baptized July 12, 1925 at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church by Rev. GG Betto and Confirmed June 25, 1939 at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace by Rev. GG Betto.  

He attended school in District 14, Rolling Forks Township and briefly at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota. 

September 23, 1948, Abner was united in marriage to Katherine Evelyn Pederson at the Swift Falls Lutheran Church by Rev. GG Gunsten.  After their marriage, they lived in Benson, and later moved to their home on Scandinavian Lake. 

In 1946, Abner attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering, Mason City, Iowa. A two-week course costing $125, paid by his father.  His auction career spanned 57 years and over 4,500 auctions.  He was inducted into the Minnesota Auctioneers Hall of Fame in January of 2004.

In 1950, Abner began selling machinery for Kratt and Nelson John Deere in Benson.  In 1960, he bought out Julius Nelson and became a partner with Jack Krattenmaker and later Jerry Peterson would become a partner.  His career with John Deere lasted 37 years.  

Abner always believed he was blessed.  He loved his Lord, family and many friends.  “Faith, Family and Friends”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Nanna; his loving wife, Katherine “Toots”, of 69 years; infant son; sister, Charlotte Westrude; and nephew, Neil Jacobson. 

Survived by sons, Kenny (Renae) of Hopkins, Bruce (Cathy) of Coon Rapids; grandchildren: Ben, Amanda, Michael, Jason, Ryan; great-grandchildren: Sophia, Clara, Liam, Nathan, Summer, Lucy, Abigail, Parker; brother, Harold (Harriet) of Glenwood; nieces, nephews and many friends.

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