Ried & Katherine Jacobsen

Ried Robert Jacobsen, age 72, and Katherine Marie (Newton) Jacobsen, age 67, left this world on March 27, 2026, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Ried was born March 15, 1954, to Robert Jacob and Arda Marie (Strathe) Jacobsen in Valley City, North Dakota. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1972. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State University in 1976. He held Professional Engineer Certificates in four states.

A thoughtful, steady man with a 32-year career in engineering, he worked as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Parsons Corporation for 25 years and most recently as a freelance consultant. Ried was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 579, as well as holding a Private Pilot Certificate with Single Engine Land and Instrument ratings.

Kathy was born April 7, 1958, to Cleon V. and Sara I. (Merriam) Newton in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Saline High School in 1976. She earned her dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting at Western Michigan State University in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1980.

Brilliant and intellectually sharp, she worked at J.P. Morgan—formerly known as First Chicago Bank—becoming Vice President of Product Management after working seven years for Peat Marwick Mitchell.

A former Certified Public Accountant, she later stayed home to raise her beloved children. Kathy had incredible strength in managing her healing from several bouts of cancer. Most recently, she had rediscovered her creative talents and joined several artist groups. She began with the People’s Resource Center and also painted with the DuPage County Art League and volunteered in managing some shows. She was part of the Apple Pie Artist group and an active participant in the Friends Art Challenge.

Kathy also published a book titled “Service Dog Facts”. Kathy was an active participant in the local chapter of NAMI.

Ried and Kathy met in Chicago and were an instant like-minded pair in temperament and spiritual faith. Married in 1987, they were Christians and most recently members of the Glen Ellyn Bible Church.

They are survived by their son, Eric Jacobsen, and their daughter, Karen (Annika) Jacobsen.

Ried is survived by his brothers Lyle (Teri), Jerome, Roy (Paula), and Larry Jacobsen. His sister Ann Marie predeceased him. 

They are further survived by Kathy’s sisters Marilynn Rice, Beverly (Wayne) Penkalski, Leila Newton, and Ronald (Kareen) Newton. Kathy’s sister, Vivian Steel, predeceased her. Ried and Kathy are survived by many nieces and nephews.

If sending a floral arrangement to the church, consider blue and green accents. Please consider donations to charities of Feed My Starving Children and Caring Network in their honor. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. May 16, 2026, at Glen Ellyn Bible Church 501 Hillside Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Some parking available at church. Additional parking can be found at Public Parking Garage on Main Street.