John Paul Jacobson of rural Ellendale passed away at the Owatonna Hospital on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 66 after a 13-month long battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born on January 6, 1960, in Owatonna to Helmer and Jeannette (Johnson) Jacobson and grew up on the family farm in rural Ellendale. He attended country school through the fourth grade and graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School in 1978. He continued his education at Luther College, graduating in 1982. He completed his law degree at Hamline University School of Law in 1985.

John spent most of his career as an attorney at Federated Insurance. He was united in marriage to Ellen Danielson in 1991. John was a dedicated father, helping his children with their 4-H and science fair projects and attending all their extracurricular activities. He enjoyed raising livestock, gardening, canning, and selling his homemade salsa and pumpkin bread at the Owatonna farmer's market. He volunteered with Steele County CERT, Skywarn, and the Little Theatre of Owatonna, building sets and serving as a board member.

John is survived by his wife, Ellen Jacobson of Ellendale; son, Anders "Andy" (Kelli) Jacobson and granddaughters, Brielle and Brindle Jacobson of Hartland; daughter, Greta Jacobson (Roger Janusiak) of Seattle, WA; mother, Jeannette Jacobson of New Richland; sister, Jodi (Jim) Thompson of Alexandria; brother, Jim Jacobson of Ellendale; mother-in-law, Virginia Anderson of Owatonna; special family friend, Tim Knauber of Medford; along with several in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Evan Jacobson and father, Helmer Jacobson.

Memorials are preferred to Steele County 4-H and Little Theatre of Owatonna.

A Celebration of John's life will be held 4-7 pm, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna.