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Jacobson, Roger Age 86, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Michealsen Health Center in Batavia. He was born June 22, 1931 in Ottawa, IL the son of Floyd and Ruth (Ugland) Jacobson. Roger married LaRee Barr on November 27, 1953. He was a 1954 graduate of Illinois State University and earned a master's degree in music from Northern Illinois University. After college, Roger proudly served in the United States Army. Roger taught vocal music for West Aurora schools for 37 years. He has been associated with many churches over the years, both as a soloist and as a choir director. Roger performed in Music Theater in Highland Park. He was a featured soloist with the Fort Smith Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as well as the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. Roger was voted "Best Out of Town Baritone" in the 1958 Chicagoland Music Festival. His voice was heard regularly on WMRO radio. Roger sang the bass role numerous times in Handel's Messiah. He was a visiting lecturer at North Central College in Naperville. Roger was a member of ASCAP and was a published composer of children's anthems. In later years, Roger performed over 600 shows throughout the state with his wife LaRee and friend Ed Young. He enjoyed fishing, especially at Indian Creek in Serena. He loved golf and made five holes in one in his lifetime. Roger was talented, fun and caring. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his daughter, Libby (Steve Amidei) Wolkoff of Highland Park; two sons, Jay (Deborah) Jacobson of Cortland and Lou (Sue) Jacobson of St. Charles; one sister, Fern Sebby of Sheridan; two grandchildren, Jacob and Ben; six step-grandchildren, Michael, Kurtis, Timothy, Paul, Tom and Colleen; and four step-great-grandchildren. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and his dear wife, LaRee who passed away in 2013. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 p.m. for both Roger and LaRee at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva. Burial will be held privately at West Batavia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The American Cancer Society, 143 First Street Batavia, Illinois 60510 would be appreciated. For information call 630-232-8233 or visit www. malonefh.com.
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My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. Please know that God is near to give you the strength to endure and may you take comfort in God's loving promise that he will bring back those we have lost in death-John 5:25-29.
Z LaGrone
September 23, 2017
Mr. Jacobson was one of many outstanding teachers at Nancy L. Hill Elementary School. He was patience with students and made vocal music fun. I fondly remember his robust voice and laughter. My condolences to the family and may his memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Larry Shepard
September 16, 2017
Those of us raised in Aurora were blessed to have teachers and role models with the talents, enthusiasm and dedication which embodied Roger Jacobson....Many of us acquired our love and appreciation for music at an early age from Mr. Jacobson. After listening to a tape of a 5th grade PTA concert from 1962, one of my classmate (WAHS 70) pointed out that "we all thought it was normal that a group of 10 year olds could sing together in fairly flawless four part harmony...."
As my friend Steve Marshall pointed out Mr. Jacobson's passion for music and performance has been passed along to so many of us that had the privilege to have him as our first conductor....
Jeff Gatesmith
September 14, 2017
So many fond memories of Mr. Jacobson as my choral director starting in 3rd grade at Nancy Hill School. Such a kind and gentle man who embraced all kinds of music. He was only kind to me. He was among the most caring an influential people in my life and my memories of Mr. Gemmer, Mr. Young and Mr. Foster will forever resonate with me. Music remains a passion for me to this day and I know that he was instrumental in making that so. God bless a wonderful man.
Steve Marshall
September 13, 2017
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