Kenneth K. Jacobsen, 72, of New Holland, PA, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Mount Joy Hospice and Community Care. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay E. (Cooper).

Born in Bancroft, NE, he was the son of the late Albert W. and Verna (Eggert) Jacobsen.

Ken enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 as a Helicopter Mechanic. His love of flying continued and went on to complete his Helicopter Pilot training. During his military career he had numerous assignments including overseas tours in Vietnam and Europe. The positions he held in the military to name a few were Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Army Aviation Liaison for the Pennsylvania National Guard. Ken’s medals include the ARCOM, National Defense, Bronze Star, Humanitarian Service, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service with 6 stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm, Air Medals, RVN Campaign, and Joint SVC Com. Other award and decorations include Overseas SVC bars, Overseas SVC ribbons, The Army SVC ribbon and he achieved his Master Aviator Badge. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1982 he continued his flying career for several businesses and became a Sales Rep for Lloyd Helicopters International. Eventually he started his own company, Jacobsen Aviation, Inc. which provided Pilot services for various clients in the United States as well as sales of Helicopters worldwide.

Ken attended college at the University of Nebraska, State University in Columbus Georgia and Penn State University earning his Master’s in Business in 1982.

Ken was Baptized and confirmed Lutheran in Bancroft, NE. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Holland. He, also, was a member various veterans groups, enjoyed bowling and family history.

He leaves behind three daughters: Karen Jacobsen, Harrisburg; Lore’ and her husband Gus Rayer, Lake Hopatcong, NJ; and Kristina Angellotti, Bellefonte, PA; four grandchildren: Kristina and her husband Jeffery Miller, Chloe’ Rayer, Blaze Angellotti, and Casey Angellotti; three great grandchildren: Nevaeh Runkel, Preston Miller and Brycen Miller. His two brothers: Merlyn Jacobsen and his wife Carolyn, Kearney, NE and Gary Jacobsen and his wife Ellen, Omaha, NE; several Nieces, Nephews and cousins. A host of close friends worldwide to include Evelyn Russell who was by his side to the end.

His memorial service will be held on April 4th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 E. Main St, New Holland, PA with Pastor Jacki Roderick officiating. Interment will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Aleethia Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans or any other veteran’s organization. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffechenroth.com.