Nels was born on September 5, 1932 in Holland, MI to Herman and Sena Jacobs. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University in 1961. He practiced Civil Engineering for 36 years in Bangkok Thailand, Pranburi Thailand, Colombo Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Denver Colorado and Dillon Montana.
Nelson has two sons, Michael Jacobs (Renee) and Daniel Jacobs (Manda), and two daughters, Rebecca Coupal (Scott) and Deborah Eberly (Chris) with his wife, Dawn, who passed away in 1997. On July 22, 2000 Nelson married Joan Esther Sexton.
Nelson was passionate about traveling having visited 77 countries and all 50 states during his life. With his wife Joan, during their 19 years together they visited 56 countries, sometimes returning to countries he had visited previously with his family.
Nels loved music and was a very talented musician- he played the guitar and dabbled with a trumpet, trombone and piano, and had a beautiful singing voice. He once dreamed of being in a professional barbershop quartet!
Nelson loved working with his hands. He completed many remodeling projects and never once called a repairman – always insisting he do it himself. He even created from scratch a to-scale replica of the “DeZwaan” windmill in Holland, Michigan as well as the lighthouse on the pier in Grand Haven, Michigan.
He was known for his fascinating stories, his wit, his kindess and his unwavering faith in The Lord. With this faith he was able to guide his extended family through the normal trials and tribulations we all face.
Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Herman, his mother, Sena and his first wife, Dawn Rae Barnhill. He is survived by his wife Joan, his four children, Michael, Daniel, Rebecca, and Deborah, his 3 brothers Fred, Stanley and Harvey, several cousins, nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2019 at Connections Church, 2121 Dad Clark Dr., Littleton, CO.
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