Kenneth K. Jacobsen, ARMY

Kenneth K. Jacobsen

Kenneth K. Jacobsen, of New Holland, PA, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Mount Joy Hospice and Community Care. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay E. (Cooper).

Born in Bancroft, NE, he was the son of the late Albert W. and Verna (Eggert) Jacobsen. Ken was baptized and confirmed Lutheran in Bancroft, Nebraska. Ken enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 as a Helicopter Mechanic. His love of flying continued and he went on to complete his Helicopter Pilot training. During his military career he had numerous assignments, including overseas tours in Vietnam and Europe. The positions he held in the military (to name a few) were: Helicopter Mechanic, Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Army Aviation Liaison for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Ken's medals, ribbons, and other decorations include:
• Bronze Star Medal,
• Air Medals,
• Army Commendation Medal,
• National Defense Medal,
• Humanitarian Service Medal,
• Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon,
• Vietnam Service Medal w/ 6 stars,
• Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal w/ Palm Device,
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal,
• Joint Service Commendation Medal,
• Overseas Service Ribbons,
• Army Service Ribbon,
• Overseas Service Bars, and
• Master Aviator Badge

Following his retirement from the Army in 1982, he continued his flying career for several businesses and became a Sales Rep for Lloyd Helicopters International. Eventually he started his own company, Jacobsen Aviation, Inc., which provided pilot services for various clients in the United States as well as sales of heliopters worldwide. He also attended college at the University of Nebraska, State University in Columbus, Georgia, and in 1982, he earned his Master's in Business at Penn State University.

At the time of his passing, Ken was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Holland, Pennsylvania. He was also a member of various Veterans' groups and enjoyed bowling and family history. He leaves behind 3 daughters: Karen Jacobsen, Harrisburg, PA; Lore' and her husband Gus Rayer, Lake Hopatcong, NJ; and Kristina Angellotti, Bellefonte, PA; four grandchildren: Kristina and her husband Jeffery Miller, Chloe Rayer, Blaze Angellotti, and Casey Angellotti; three great-grandchildren: Nevaeh Runkel, Preston Miller, and Brycen Miller. His 2 brothers: Merlyn Jacobsen and his wife Carolyn in Kearney, Nebraska and Gary Jacobsen and his wife Ellen in Omaha, Nebraska; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He has left a host of close friends worldwide to include Evelyn Russell who was by his side to the end.

THE FINAL INSPECTION
~ By SGT Joshua Helterbran

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."