Rita R. Jacobson

PORTAGE  -- Rita R. Jacobson, age 83, died on Monday, February 3, 2014 at University Hospital in Madison. 

Rita was born on March 16, 1930, in Rio, the daughter of William and Roselea (Smith) Dawson.  Rita was married on June 28, 1952 to Robert F. Jacobson.  He preceded her in death on September 22, 2010.  They were happily married for 58 years, and were hardly ever apart.  Rita was a beautician and CNA.  She had managed Spurgeon’s Beauty Shop for 20 years, with the same ten women during that time. They are all “one big family”.  After retiring from the beauty shop, Rita went into Home Health Care.  She and Bob traveled through all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean.  Rita was an animal lover, especially her guinea pigs.   

Rita is survived by her sons, Anthony Jacobson and Timothy Jacobson, both of Portage; a grandson, Luke (Katie) Jacobson, Madison; her great-granddaughter, Elle;  her sister-in-law, Mary Jo Radtke, Columbus;  special cousins, Lois Smith and Mary Helgerson;  other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Rio.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the UW Staff, ICU and Palliative Care Unit, especially Maria, Katy and Mary.