Service to reflect Jacobsen's passions

A memorial celebration Friday for Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen has been designed to reflect the longtime legislator's passions in life: His family, military career, volunteerism and service in the Nevada Legislature.

Hundreds of people - from political dignitaries to the friends and neighbors Jacobsen made the hallmark of his 40-year legislative tenure - are expected to fill Minden Park, a half-block from the veteran lawmaker's home where he died July 26 at age 85.

Daughter-in-law Debbie Jacobsen said family members have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support since Jacobsen died.

"We just had this talk this morning," said Jacobsen on Tuesday. "We are just so blessed. People will do anything for us. We are so touched with the cards and the telephone calls. People want to do it for him."

The service is set for 10 a.m. at Minden Park.

From the celebrants to the guest speakers, the service reflects the family's acknowledgment that Jacobsen never excluded anyone in all aspects of his life.

Celebrants include Pastor Tom Windsor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Pete Nelson of Carson Valley United Methodist Church and Father John Corona, retired pastor of St. Gall Catholic Church.

Speakers include retired U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, whom Jacobsen served when the Democrat was governor of Nevada, and Sens. William Raggio, R-Reno, Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, and Bernice Matthews, D-Reno, all longtime legislative colleagues and television personality John Tyson.

"One of the most special things is that a lot of representatives of fire departments are coming in," Debbie Jacobsen said.

The East Fork Fire & Paramedics Districts invited fire departments from across Nevada to send representatives to the service.

Jacobsen served as a Douglas County volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years. He also worked for passage of legislation on behalf of firefighters and emergency personnel during his four decades in the Nevada Legislature.

Honor guards representing the U.S. Navy and the Nevada National Guard also are to participate.

Following the service, the Jacobsen family will host a reception at the CVIC Hall and everyone is invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Jacobsen's name be made to the Douglas County Fire Museum, in care of East Fork Fire & Paramedics Districts, P.O. Box 218, Minden, NV 89423.

"That would just touch him and tickle him that the museum is going to happen," Debbie Jacobsen said.