Harry L. Jacobsen

Harry L. Jacobsen Jr. (Jay), age 76, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Wauwatosa. He was born in Racine, September 25, 1947, son of the late Shirley (Nee: Layton) and Harry L. Jacobsen Sr.

Harry was a member of the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. He received his BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology from UW-Milwaukee. He was a dedicated public servant and proudly served the city he loved as a patrolman. He enjoyed 26 years of helping the people of Racine, retiring from the Racine Police Department in 2000. After retirement, he selflessly cared for Vera for over 10 years and then did the same for Harry and Lois.

On October 9, 1999, he was united in marriage to Wendy K. Walter. Harry was very proud of his many performances with the Racine Theatre Guild, Cabbage City Theatre, and Over Our Head Players. One of the highlights of his acting career was performing along side his grandson, Zane, and his dog, Belle, in The Miracle Worker. Harry enjoyed working out and his time as a competitor in the Midwest Police and Fire Games “Toughest Competitor Alive” where he dedicated his first place finish to his late cousin Steve Layton who lost his life in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed his Sunday morning golf dates with John, Dave, and Rob and the golf trip he took with his brothers. Packer Sundays with Fisherman Mike, Randy, and Terry was another one of Harry’s favorite pastimes.

Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-four years, Wendy; his children, Lucas (Renee) Jacobsen, Andra Jacobsen (John Steinbrink), Caitlin (Nicholas) Boehlke, Noah (Nicki) Jacobsen, Elias Jacobsen (Amy Macemon) and their mother, Jeanne Jacobsen; his ten grandchildren, Amber (Mitchell) Scott, Alyssa Jacobsen, Zane Jacobsen, Taylor Jacobsen, Lena Boehlke, Zoe Perez, Zia Perez, Ashlyn Boehlke, Micah Boehlke, Aurelia Jacobsen; he was looking forward to welcoming his first great-grandchild, Ariel Scott, due in August; his brothers, Roger (MaryAnn) Jacobsen, Robin (Patty) Jacobsen; brothers-in-law, Al (Sue) Walter, Gary (Marie) Walter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Jacobsen; cousin, Steve Layton; stepmother, Lois Jacobsen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert (Vera) Walter Sr.; sister-in-law, Judy Terwilliger.

Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate Harry’s life on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with military honors at 5:00 pm at Preservation Hall, 740 Lake Avenue in Racine.

Donations may be made in Harry’s name to Racine Theatre Guild, Special Olympics Wisconsin, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A very special thank you to the Neuro ICU at Froedtert Memorial Hospital for their loving and compassionate care.