Roberta M. Jacobson, 97, passed away peacefully in her hometown on July 31, 2026. The daughter of Dwight and Ruth (Boomer) Oliver. She married Richard Jacobson on June 2, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church where they remained married for 57 years until his passing in 2012.

Roberta’s remarkable journey began in the heart of Rockford, she graduated from Rockford College, proudly earning her degree in education. Promptly after graduation, Roberta served with gentle wisdom and compassion as an esteemed elementary school teacher at Winnebago Elementary School where she remained for three decades

Beyond her career, Roberta found endless joy and adventure in the world around her. In her youth, she was an accomplished equestrian, riding and training gated horses. She was a cherished presence at the Grand Victorian and Alden Debes nursing homes, forging deep and lasting friendships. She was constantly reading and writing.

Roberta’s devotion to the beauty of the natural world was evident in her active involvement at Klehm Arboretum and the Severson Dells Nature Center.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Paul Jacobson; her daughter-in-law, Linda (Martinez) Jacobson; her daughter, Ann Marie Jacobson; grandson, Erik; great grandson, Chance; and her sister-in-law, Arlene Nelson and her good friend, Joylene Westphal. Roberta is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Jacobson, whose memory remained ever close to her heart.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Burritt Community Church, 8378 Trask Bridge Road. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.