Larry "Jake" Jacobsen

Larry “Jake” Jacobsen was born January 22, 1938 in Homer, Nebraska to Henry and Grace (Miller) Jacobsen. He grew up on the family farm south of Homer. Larry loved the farm and all of its activities. Participating in many sports with his brothers was a highlight of his life. Larry graduated from Homer High School in 1956. He then went on to attend Kearney State College where he continued his love of football and track. The Homer Thunderbolt was the nickname that stuck. He went on to earn Little All-American honors and was later inducted into the KSC Fall of Fame and the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. Larry met Judy Stephenson and they were married December 27, 1959.

Larry began his teaching career as a traveling physical education teacher for the Omaha Public Schools. He later taught and coached at Monroe Junior High. During this time he also played for the Omaha Mustangs semipro football team. In 1968, he was assigned to Burke High. A year later he became the head football coach for the Bulldogs. Individual coaching and teaching honors include Shrine Bowl coach, Metro Coach of the Year, Burke High Teacher of the Year, and the 1991 Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. Larry also received the Johnny Appleseed Award from the Nebraska State Arboretum Society for his work in planting trees around Burke Stadium. He received the AK-SAR-BEN Service to Sports Award in 1995. Larry was inducted into the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame and into the OPS Athletic Hall of Fame. Larry’s true passion was working with students and athletes. He loved to see them graduate and go on to be successful adults. He felt his success was attributed to his assistant coaches, the dedicated athletes, and the many people who supported and helped him along the way. After retiring from teaching in 1995, he continued to help with the Nebraska State Track Meet and worked various positions within the Omaha Public School System.

Larry and Judy were actively involved in their church and enjoyed hiking, biking, golfing, and exploring the country. They traveled extensively, most often to attend their grandchildren’s various events. Larry loved being with his grandchildren, taking them on bike trips and vacations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Jack and Gerald. Survivors include his wife, Judy; brother, Robert (Marilyn) Jacobsen of Homer; and sister, Lil Whitla of Lincoln; daughters, Stephanie (Tim) Fuehrer of Holdrege, Kimberly (Jim) Cantrell of Gering, and Jennifer (Mike) Burklund of Ceresco; grandchildren, Megan Fuehrer, Timmie (Tomek) Barc, Abby (Jaylon) Freeman, Jacob (Gabby Gracia) Fuehrer, Jodi Cantrell, Allison (Matt) Manzer, and Jett Burklund; great-grandchildren, Carter & Scarlett Manzer and Kasper Barc.





Memorial Service Monday, Sept 23, 2019 at 11:00AM at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries 72nd Street Chapel. Visitation Sunday 3:00-5:00PM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Omaha Schools’ Foundation-Burke stadium renovation or Miracle Hills Baptist Church.