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Janet M. Jacobsen, 88, of the Maple Grove Apartments in Hiawatha, with family by her side passed away March 4, 2025 at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Janet was born June 9, 1936 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She was one of two children born to Neil and Gertrude Thompson Larimer.  Her parents divorced at an early age and Janet moved with her mother and brother to California where she grew up and attended school.  While living there, she met a serviceman from NE Kansas by the name of Melvin Jordan whom she married January 1, 1954.  Mel brought her back to rural northeast Kansas where they lived before making Hiawatha their home where he operated "Mel's Body Shop".   To this union two children were born:  Patricia and Randy.    It was said that the birth of Pat rekindled Janet's parents' relationship and they remarried.

She worked various jobs through the years with the longest, most enjoyable being Flair Fold Manufacturing Plant in Hiawatha, working there several years before retiring.

Janet again found someone to share her life with.  She married Allen J. Jacobsen, November 20, 1987.  Janet gained two daughters, and a son.  Janet and Allen lived away from Hiawatha for a time due to his work with the construction business.  They spent 32 years together playing cards, listening to his records, and dancing until he died May 15, 2020.  About a year after his death, Janet moved to Maple Grove Apartments, enjoying her time there making new friends and participating in various activities there.

Janet loved animals, particularly dogs.  It was not uncommon for her to have a pocketful of dog treats.  The dogs came to expect it.

Janet was also preceded in death by her parents, husbands Melvin, Allen, son Randy, his wife Chris, and brother Paul Larimer.

Survivors include a daughter Pat Bearce (Bill), grandchildren:  Carma Ricklefs (Jimmy), Lindsey Shannon, Brady Bearce; step children:  Melissa Jacobsen, Amy Jacobsen (David Ulferts), Aaron Jacobsen (Deb); step grandchildren:  Eben Kohtz, Anna Ulferts, Anson and Avery Jacobsen; with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister-in-law Dawna Larimer; with nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Janet's life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Shane Spangler will officiate.  Inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brown County Humane Society sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com