Lawrence E. Jacobsen (Mert)

Bennington - Lawrence (Mert) E Jacobsen of Bennington passed away on Good Friday April 3, 2026 in Elkhorn, NE.

Lawrence was born April 21, 1931 in the farm house in Irvington, NE to Emil & Anna Jacobsen. He grew up there, graduating from Irvington High School. He enlisted in the US Airforce in 1951 and was honorably discharged in November 1954 where he served as a mechanic and instructor.

Lawrence married Joyce A Peterson March 12, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran, Benson, NE. There were 3 children born to this marriage, Steve, Bob, & Sandy. He was a member of The Congregational Church in Irvington, that eventually moved to 93rd and Fort in Omaha, now Northwest Hills UCC.

Early on, Lawrence drove truck for Ernie Kroeger in Irvington hauling hay, milk, and grain. He started farming on Rainwood Road, now part of Cunningham Lake before moving to the farm on Highway 36. Lawrence also helped build houses and seasonally haul mail until the weather cooperated better and he was able to rent additional acres.

The family made many great memories camping and boating when the kids were at home. In retirement Lawrence & Joyce spent many winters in Pharr, Texas in an RV park in their 5th wheel trailer.

Lawrence loved to play cards, especially cribbage. It was normal to hear when stopping by “Do you have time for a game?”

Lawrence moved off the farm to independent living at Ridgewood Senior Living in December 2022 and gained a whole new batch of friends.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by wife of 67 years Joyce, granddaughter Alexandra Rutherford, three sisters, and one brother.

Survivors include Steve (Jan) Jacobsen , Bob (Deanna Walters) Jacobsen , and Sandy (Mike) Sieler , grandchildren Andy (Heather) Jacobsen, Dave Jacobsen, Jessica (Mike) Buckley , Melissa Jacobsen, Jill (Lachllan Prest) Jacobsen, Erika (Keith Calhoun) Rutherford, Dolan (Lisa) Rutherford, and Cal (Eva Van Ackeren) Rutherford, great grandchildren Lawrence, Andersen, and Ruby Buckley, Dominic Telford, Avery Moyer, Zach and Zoe Jacobsen, Georgia Calhoun, Rhylan and Harper Rutherford. Sister Gertrude Johansen, brothers-in-law Lee (Sharon) Peterson and Larry (Kathleen) Peterson, along with many other relatives & friends.

Visitation Wednesday 5 - 7 PM at Northwest Hills United Church of Christ. Memorial Service 11:00 AM Thursday (4/9/2026) at Northwest Hills United Church of Christ 9334 Fort St. In Lieu of Flowers Memorials to Northwest Hills United Church of Christ.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com