Obituary of Gloria N. Jacobson

Gloria Nadine (Larson) Jacobson 94, beloved mother, "Granny", public servant, trailblazer and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday June 16, 2025 at The Bird House in Iowa City, Iowa. She was surrounded by her loving family.  Born on July 12, 1930, in Jewel, Iowa,  to Christian and Amanda (nee Engelbarts) Larson. She was the youngest of seven children, five  brothers and a sister who died shortly after birth.

A gifted student from the start, she was Valedictorian of Jewel High School, class of 1948.  She was a spelling bee champion in Hamilton county (and still a crossword puzzle champ right to the end).  The librarian in Jewell would notify her when new books arrived, such was her love of reading. She was the first female to be the keynote speaker at the annual Jewel, Iowa 4th of July celebration.  She eventually earned her bachelor's degree in business with a focus on industrial relations, from the University of Iowa. 

In 1951 she married Richard (Dick) Jacobson in Bangor, Maine.  That union produced three sons;  Richard (Skip) Jacobson (Pam) of Bettendorf, Iowa, Douglas Jacobson of Cincinnati, Ohio, and William Jacobson (Colleen) of Coralville, Iowa.  She was a proud grandmother to Amanda Robe (Dan) of Surprise, Arizona, Ana Jacobson of Coralville, Iowa, William Jacobson of Coralville, Iowa and Ethan Jacobson of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Her grandchildren brought her great joy.  She is survived by her three sons, three grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, five brothers, and grandson William.

Her professional life was marked by dedication and pioneering leadership.  She worked for many years at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, where her colleagues affectionately referred to her as "The Dean".

She was the first woman to hold the position of Assistant to the Dean across the university's Colleges of Medicine, Law and Pharmacy; this distinction was recognized in Who’s Who of American Women for her achievement.  She worked at the University of Iowa and College of Pharmacy for 37 years, before retiring to serve as a consultant to the school and its new building fundraising campaign.

As noted she was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, passionate bridge player, and world traveler who visited all 99 Iowa counties, all 50 States and 44 countries. A dedicated public servant, she served on the University Heights City Council for 6 years, and was mayor of the community for 10 years. At the time of her passing she was the longest continuous resident of  University Heights, having  lived there from 1956 to 2025.

Gloria will be remembered for her sharp mind, independent spirit, warm heart, and unwavering loyalty to her family and community.  Her home was a haven for her friends as well as the many friends of her sons who "took up residence" much to her delight.  She cherished them all and they knew it.  She was a devout Christian, a supporter of Iowa Hawkeye athletics (decades of season tickets), and long suffering Chicago Cubs fan.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30am Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, where a time of visitation will begin at 10am and continue after the services with light refreshments served, all are invited to join the family. Stories and memories of Gloria are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to: Iowa City Hospice, College of Pharmacy via The University of Iowa Foundation, The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County, IA, Houses into Homes, or a charity that touches your heart.  She was grateful for her friends from right next door to around the world. She is irreplaceable and will be profoundly missed.  God bless her.