Thomas Sanford Jacobson, lovingly known as "Sandy", was born September 7, 1928 in Finley, ND to Jacob and Sophie (Hoestad) Jacobson. As a child, his family moved to Gary, MN where he was raised and attended country school. Sandy was united in marriage to Ione Kvamme on March 17, 1951, and shortly thereafter was deployed to serve overseas during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1953. Sandy and Ione made their home in Moorhead, MN where they were blessed with four children: Becky, Karen, Michael, and Dennis. Sandy was a union carpenter where he worked on many projects in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Over the years, he served as foreman for Kvamme Construction, Meineke-Johnson Construction, and T.F. Powers Construction companies. In 1967, the couple moved to Gary to make their home. Sandy continued with his construction career, as well as drove school bus for many years.

His hard work ethic and meticulous nature made construction a perfect fit for Sandy. He taught his family early if you are going to do something "do it right the first time," which is a lesson they will always treasure. Sandy liked to hunt, fish, spend quality time at the Lake. In his retirement years, he helped build, repair, and remodel homes for his kids. He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor who enjoyed a good prank and often slipped in a clever one-liner. Although it took a while to get him going, Sandy had a contagious laugh that made everyone smile. Above all else, family and faith were the foundation of Sandy's life. He was a quiet and trusted presence at Gary Lutheran Church every Sunday. He loved time with his family and truly cherished each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. After nearly 70 years of marriage, Ione and Sandy were nearly inseparable. As Ione's health failed, he was always there for her, visiting her daily at the nursing home. One month ago, Sandy was diagnosed with cancer and last week he entered the Twin Valley Living Center to be near his bride. Sandy passed away, with family by his side, on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the age of 89. He will forever be in the hearts of all who loved him.

Sandy is survived by his wife, Ione of Twin Valley; two daughters, Becky (Greg) Syverson of Tulaby Lake, MN and Karen (Steve) Olson of Twin Valley, MN; two sons, Michael of Moorhead and Dennis of Gary; seven grandchildren: Trish (Ole) Rygg, Shaun (Cheri) Syverson, Judd Syverson, Nick (Sarah) Olson, Nate (Ashley Rae) Olson, Erika (Dana) Klemetson, and Ashley (Karl) Tollefson; 19 great grandchildren: Silje, Ingrid, Maren, and Anja Rygg, Mason and Kacie Syverson, Peyton, Averi, and Piper Syverson, Morgan, Drasyn, and Aspyn Olson, Carter, Keaton, and Kade Olson, Kendyl and Drew Klemetson, Kora Tollefson, one more on the way with grandpa to be the first to know; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers and sisters; and seven half-siblings.

To honor Sandy's love of carpentry, his family prefers that memorials be given, in his memory, to the Gary Lutheran Church Shingle Fund.