Ritchie Jacobson

It was Ritchie’s wish that there would be no funeral or sadness with his calling home. The family has requested this wish be honored.

There will be a CELEBRATION of the life and times of our Mayor and Friend on Friday, May 12, 2017 beginning with a celebration service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 3:00 pm. During this time, we will enjoy some of the Mayor’s favorite music and share our times, good, bad, and funny that we experienced with Ritchie.

Immediately following this Celebration of Life all are invite to continue the celebration of this life through fellowship at Dani’s Place.

There will also be "Remembering Ritchie" / June 18 / 3pm / Fargo VFW, 202 Broadway N Downtown Fargo.

Ritchie Jacobson, 66, Gackle, ND died on Thursday April 20, 2017 after a battle with lung cancer.

Ritchie was born June 16, 1950 in Fargo, ND to Mavis and Orville Jacobson. Ritchie grew up in Fargo and attended Fargo Public Schools, graduating from North High in 1968. Ritchie was involved in the arts, music, and theatre while in school and was also the “Lead Singer” in the popular local band, “The Mods” in the late 60’s. In the fall of 1968 Ritchie enrolled in college at Moorhead State College and graduated in 1973 with a B.S. degree in Arts Education.

In June of 1973 Ritchie was married to Lavonne Gail Gerbi. The couple had a son, Cody in 1978. They later divorced in 1998. Ritchie began a long career in art education in 1975 when he joined the art staff at Agassiz JHS in Fargo. This teaching stint at Agassiz lasted 30 years with his retirement in 2005.

Ritchie’s life-long passion was hunting and fishing and with his retirement in 2005 he moved to Gackle, ND where he owned a home. Ritchie enjoyed hunting and fishing year-round until his recent passing. In June 2006, Ritchie was elected Mayor of Gackle and has served in that capacity until now. Ritchie was involved in all activities in Gackle, especially the Annual 4th of July Celebration. He was past president of the Gackle Lions and the Gackle Wildlife Clubs.

Ritchie is survived by a son, Cody (Janel), Fargo, ND; his ex-wife and good friend, LaVonne, Fargo, ND; a brother, Martin, Frazee, MN; a sister, Linda Loeffler, Adrora, MN and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his favorite partner, his dog, Jake.

Ritchie was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Karen Skodje, and his brother-in-law, Forrest Loeffler

Memorials may be sent to:

Plains Art Museum

704 First Avenue North
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
701.551.6100
www.plainsart.org