Tom Jacobson

Tom Jacobson, 65, of Viroqua died Sunday, March 24, 2013 Thomas Howard Jacobson was born in Viroqua, WI to Howard T. and Beatrice (Smith) Jacobson on Oct. 11, 1947. He graduated from Viroqua High School, Class of 1965. He attended University of WI LaCrosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1969. On August 23 of the same year, he married Gladys Roehrig of Hilbert, WI. Tom completed a 3 yr tour in 1969-1973 for the US Army serving in the White House Communications Unit in Washington DC. Toms passion was photography and in 1974 2004 he started his own photography and art gallery business in Viroqua Jacobson Studio/Wiscenes Gallery. He was actively involved in many organizations including: the Vernon Co Coroners Office, serving as Coroner for many years. He was also a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician, a State Certified Fire Instructor, an Instructor for WI Dept of Justice for police science and forensic photography and a Certified CPR Instructor. He was active with FEMA in instructing funeral directors, EMS personnel, firefighters, medical professionals and clergy the proper procedures in the event of a mass fatality. He was a Certified Law Enforcement Officer and a certified evidence technician, and was a member of the National D-MORT team in the event of a mass fatality. He served on the board of directors of the WI Coroners and Medical Examiners as president. Tom was also a member of the WI Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association having served on the board of directors. He was a charter member of the WI Homicide Investigators Association and a member of the WI Emergency Management Association. He served 20 years with tri-state ambulance; 22 years as a firefighter, officer and trainer with the Viroqua Fire Dept; served 10 years on the Viroqua City Council, has been an officer of the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce and was a past president of the South Central Photographers Assoc. He served as an officer of the Coulee Kennel Club and was the treasurer and charter member of the Vernon Co Humane Society, Inc. He was a member of LaBelle Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and the Eastern Star, and a charter member of Viroqua Ducks Unlimited. Additionally he belonged to the American Legion and the Viroqua Aerie 2707 of the Viroqua Eagles. He had served on the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center board of directors and was president of the VARC Foundation. Most recently he was involved in relief efforts through the American Red Cross stationed in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Tom is survived by three daughters: Marisa Buros, Lynn (Patrick) Bedroske, and Joanna (Jonah) Lottig; 4 grandsons: Ryan and Kyler Buros, Henry Bedroske, and Baby Lottig; one granddaughter: Cassidy Buros, and former spouse, Gladys Jacobson. He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother John. Funeral arrangements are through Vosseteig Funeral Home in Viroqua, WI. Visitation will be Monday, April 1, from 4-7 PM and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Viroqua (400 Congress Ave) at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Toms name to either of the following organizations: the Viroqua Fire Dept., the Vernon County Humane Society, or the Vernon Co K-9 Unit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua. Monsignor Francis Abuah Quansah will officiate with military honors to follow. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St (Hwy 56), in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 until the time of the Mass. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.