Rita Jacobsen

Rita Jacobsen, 88 of Grand Island, died Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.



A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 20, 2014 at St. Marys Cathedral with Father Richard Piontkowski officiating. A Private Inurnment will be held at a later date. Family will greet friends from 5-7 P.M. Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. A Rosary will follow at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family requests guests to dress in Husker attire or in purple in recognition of those who suffer from Alzheimers. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimers Association or the Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.



Rita was born May 19, 1926 in Greeley, Nebraska the daughter of John and Catherine (Killeen) Smith. She grew up in Greeley and received her education at Greeley Sacred Heart School. She was united in marriage to Howard Jacobsen in 1950 in Lexington, Nebraska. The couple lived in Wolbach, Nebraska where she taught in rural schools. She also lived in Grand Island where she was employed by Engleman Elementary (District 30) School. She retired in 1990.



She was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed cross word puzzles, reading, and Nebraska football. Her greatest enjoyment in life was her family.



Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Robert Widga; grandchildren and their spouses, Kristopher Widga, Lisa Widga, Aaron Widga (Jessica), and Cynthea Alvidrez (Fernando); great-grandchildren, Tyler Eihlers, Georgia Clerc, Malachi Alvidrez, Cooper Clerc, Jeremiah Alvidrez, Alexandra Widga, and Ian Widga.



Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents; 3 sisters, Kathleen, Leona, and Veronica; 2 brothers, Owen and John.