Chris J. Jacobson, 74, of Kearney, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024 at his home.

Chris was born on Jan. 31, 1950 in St. Edward to Rodney E. and Ula M. (Jensen) Jacobson. He attended Columbus Highland Park grade school until the second grade. He graduated from eighth grade from Platte County District 28 one room grade school. Growing up Chris raised chickens on the farm, enjoyed playing in the barns with his brother Dave. There were many long days of scooping manure and replacing fence posts. He had fond memories of riding horses to herd the cattle along the ditches. One particular memory was receiving saddles, so they no longer had to ride bareback. Chris and Dave spend many hours growing up riding tractors to rack hay and running chain saws to clean up the orchards.

The family enjoyed grilling, swimming, and spending time at Wagners Lake. Chris and Dave spend many summers at their grandparent’s farm helping.

He was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in rural St. Edward.

In high school, Chris enjoyed shop classes and playing sports, particularly wrestling. He was proud to be part of the beginning of the Columbus High wrestling program. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1968. After high school he attended Kearney State College. In college, he was active in Beta Sigma Psi fraternity, football, wrestling, and an avid weightlifter. Chris graduated from Kearney State College in 1973 with BA in education. After college, he enjoyed skydiving and working on stock cars for many years. Chris remained in Kearney. He ran a pool in Axtel and later worked at Anderson’s Brothers Plumbing.

Chis married Linda (Ondrak/Jacobson) Lethbridge, lived northwest of Kearney, and had two children. His main focus turned to his family and keeping up the family homestead, raising: horse, goats, peacocks, guineas, ducks, pigeons, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats, etc. He was excellent at turning foals into gentle giants. He was very involved in all his children’s activities, showing horses, many sports events and lessons, and 4-H. He was a soccer coach for 10+ years, including Kearney Park & Recreation and a traveling team. Chris remained volunteering for 4-H for many years after his children had grown, for a total of over 37 years as a 4-H leader. He was heavily involved in the 4-H BB gun shooting sports.

Throughout his life, Chris has donated many gallons of blood. He enjoyed tending to his rentals and knowing his tenants well. In later years he worked at Norm’s Plumbing and enjoyed spending time with Connie (Benson) Love attending dance lessons, concerts, car shows, and many other activities. He enjoyed attending many auctions and had a great eye for a bargain. Chris enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed activities such as demolition derbies and parades. He enjoyed showing his Mach I in parades and on Cruise night.

Chis will be remembered for his willingness to help others, directly or indirectly. He was heavily involved in volunteering in the community and shaping young lives. He could fix just about anything and was an outstanding cook.

He is survived by children: Travis Jacobson (Kim Anderson) of Loomis and Staci Jacobson (Blake Pritts) of Kearney, grandchildren: Brett Jacobson and Aria Jacobson, siblings: David ‘Dave’ (Betty) Jacobson of Platte Center and James ‘Jim’ (Sandra) Jacobson of Poulsbo, WA, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Rodney and Ula (Jensen) Jacobson, sibling Leesa (Jacobson) (John) Rains and nephew David C. Jacobson, all of Columbus.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials are suggested to Buffalo County 4-H Shooting Club. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Paid obituary announcement