Paul Oswald Jacobson

Paul Oswald Jacobson, of Fairmount, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at St. Catherine's Living Center. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 2:30 pm, with visitation one hour before the service, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton.

Paul was born on February 19, 1934, in Luverne, Minnesota, to Nels and Nora (Rognley) Jacobson. He was one of four children and grew up alongside his siblings, Norene, Joan, and James.

Paul grew up in Hills, Minnesota, where he farmed with his father. One of his childhood memories was contracting polio at the age of 14, which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay. Despite this difficult experience, Paul continued forward with determination and a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating from high school, Paul attended South Dakota State University, where he earned an Associate degree and a Bachelor of Science degree.

Paul later married Martha Aukes, and together they had three children: Rebecca, David, and Carol. The family eventually settled in Fairmount, North Dakota.

Paul began his career as a machinist and later became a welding teacher and instructor at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). He began teaching in 1978 and retired in 1991. Throughout his years as an educator, Paul taught and influenced many students, sharing not only his knowledge and skills but also his strong work ethic and passion for creating things.

A proud Norwegian, Paul was involved with the Sons of Norway and enjoyed celebrating his heritage. He especially loved lutefisk and lefse.

Paul had a lifelong passion for building, welding, machinery, and restoring old vehicles. If he wasn't in his shop restoring old tractors, Model A's, and Model T's, he was building something new. He loved to weld and create things and once built a car he affectionately called “Woody.” He also enjoyed working on and building small engines.

Paul had a small “museum” on his farm near Doran, Minnesota, where he displayed many of his creations and projects. He shared this love of building and restoring with his second wife, Kay Jacobson (Neeb).

Paul also loved dancing to big band music and polkas. Through dancing, he met many friends and created countless memories.

His children fondly remember attending threshing bees throughout the area, events in which Paul was deeply involved. Another treasured family memory was camping together at Yellowstone National Park.

Paul spent much of his life teaching others, but his greatest lessons were those he passed on to his children. His daughter, Rebecca, remembers working alongside her dad in the shop and learning the value of his strong work ethic. His son, David, remembers building his first car from a box. His youngest daughter, Carol, remembers her dad teaching her how to ride a little scooter. Paul was a natural educator, and his influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Paul is survived by his children, Rebecca (Kraig) Tracy, David (Connie) Jacobson, and Carol (Earl) Hills; his grandchildren, Heather (Zach) Vogel, Noel (Antonio) Balderas, Lacey Groneberg, Leigh Hills, and Ashley Hills; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Maizie Vogel and Aiden and Anthony Balderas. He is also survived by his good friend, Leona Warholm; sisters, Noreen Korgel, and Joan Tilstra; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Nora Jacobson; his brother, James Jacobson; and his two brothers-in-law.