LCDR William H. Jacobsen, 87, of Ricky Lane in Preston passed away Thurs. Apr. 22, 2010 at Fairview in Groton.

            Bill was born on Nov. 25, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY the son of Olaf and Margit Jacobsen.

            Bill met the love of his life Shirley ‘Lee’ Isaksen at a Sons of Norway function and they were married on Feb. 23, 1946. They spent the next 64 years traveling the country and world while raising a family.

            Bill spent 30 years in the Navy proudly serving our country, voluntarily enlisting in 1942 in the Submarine Force. He retired in 1972 as LCDR, earning many commendations, including the Bronze Star for his valor and action in Vietnam. His service to our country was an honor for him. He was a proud American. He never had a bad duty station or bad job. Each was an adventure, from Hawaii to Morocco.

            After the Navy, Bill worked at Electric Boat as a Ships Safety Coordinator for the Ohio class subs. A job he loved, a long way from the small S-boats he rode during the war! In retirement, Bill and Lee traveled everywhere visiting family and old shipmates. He was always learning something new, had a head full of information. Bill was great at fixing everything, much to the delight of his family, lovingly known as “Mr Fix-it”. Bill belonged to the Sub Vets of WW II and Sub Vets, Inc., MOAA and Holland Club. He was loyal, an avid Yankees fan, even in the bad years!

            Besides his wife Lee he is survived by two daughters Lee Ellen and her husband Joel Kersteter of Gales Ferry; Gail and her husband Mark Thompson of Canterbury; and one son, William Jr. and his wife Rosanna of St. Augustine, FL,. Bill was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Bill gave us a all a sense of humor, a thrist for knowledge, sense of adventure and most of all “All his Love”. He was a dedicated husband and father. We will miss and love him deeply everyday of our lives.

          Bill’s family would like to give a special thank- you to the staff of Fairview. The dedicated women and men of C wing cared for Bill with love and respect. “ Tusen takk”.

         Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday at the Byles- Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St.

         Funeral service will be held at 11 am Thurs, Apr. 29 at the funeral home.

         His burial with military honors will follow in the Preston City Cemetery, Preston.