Joan Clair Jacobson, 91 of Dilworth, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Fargo Elim, Fargo, ND.

Joan was born January 31, 1935, at Bethesda Hospital in Crookston, MN. Joan was a triplet, born third along with her sister Jean and brother Jerome, to parents Nils and Hazel (Aslakson) Birkeland. The birth of the triplets made the national news in 1935, as a fierce winter storm caused a power outage at the hospital. The three babies were born by candlelight. Newspapers across the country were eager to run a photo and description of the Birkeland Triplets’ unique entrance into the world.

Joan was educated in the Crookston schools and graduated from Central High School alongside her triplet sister and brother in 1952. After high school, Joan worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Crookston as a switchboard operator from 1952 to 1958.

On October 11, 1958, Joan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Malvern Jacobson, in a double wedding with her sister, Ileen, and Malvern’s brother, Luther. The wedding took place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. Joan and Malvern made their first home in Thief River Falls, MN. During this time, they were blessed with the births of three girls: Laurie Ann, Kari Beth, and Jodi Marie.

Joan loved being a mom to her three little girls. She was a talented seamstress who sewed many clothes for her daughters – and even sewed outfits for their dolls. In 1974, the family moved to Glyndon, MN, where Joan continued staying home to raise her girls. Joan had a knack for decorating her home and enjoyed wallpapering and restoring furniture. She loved being outdoors during the summer, spending many hours in her garden and flower beds. Joan and her sister Jean also worked together for several years in the cafeteria at Minnesota State University. In 2019, Joan and Malvern sold their rural Glyndon home and moved to Dilworth, MN. Joan moved to Fargo Elim in 2024.

In retirement, Joan and Malvern devoted much of their time to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joan was delighted to play with and spoil them whenever they came to visit, always keeping fresh baking ready for everyone to enjoy. Attending her grandchildren’s school programs and sporting events was always a priority.

Joan and Malvern cherished their time at their lake home on Big Sugar Bush Lake. Many weekends and special occasions were spent there with extended family making lasting memories. Having bonfires, fishing, and playing cards were some of Joan’s favorite activities.

Joan and Malvern loved to travel. They started a cherished tradition of taking each of their grandchildren to camp in Medora - a trip the grandchildren affectionately came to call the “Buffalo Trip”. Each grandchild holds fond memories of this special time. In addition, Joan and Malvern traveled to Norway, Alaska, and enjoyed many camping trips out West.

Joan will be remembered as a devoted wife, an amazing mother and a beloved grandmother, as well as an admired and cherished aunt, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and friend. She was faith-filled and deeply caring to all.

Joan is survived by her husband of 67 years, Malvern Jacobson; their three daughters: Laurie Kosen of Moorhead, MN, Kari (Phil) Goeden of Alexandria, MN, and Jodi (Paul) Barnum of Bismarck, ND; six grandchildren: Nicholas (Shelly) Kosen, Josh (Tanya) Goeden, Joey Goeden, Tracy (Bryan) Erickson, Grant (Kennedy) Barnum, and Brittany (Jeff) Barnum; seven great-grandchildren: Brooke McCarthy, Tucker Kosen, Rylee Kosen, Brynn Erickson, Ivy Erickson, Parker Erickson, and Ainsley Barnum; four siblings: Jean Tweten, Ileen (Luther) Jacobson, Claudia (Jim) Gunderson, and Harris (June) Birkeland; brothers and sisters-in-law: Ordean (Maureen) Jacobson, Josephine Jacobson, Elaine and (Orley) Gunderson, Beth-Bev Jacobson, and Donna Rae Jacobson; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Nils and Hazel Birkeland; parents-in-law: Emil and Agnes Jacobson; brother:Jerome Birkeland; sister-in-law: Gayle Birkeland; sisters and brothers-in law: Ruth and (Clarence) Grote, Delphine and (Howard) Draxton, Francis and (Don) Quiggly, Russ Tweten, Curtis Jacobson, and James Jacobson; nephews: Bruce Tweten, Ricky Jacobson, Chad Gunderson, and Bryan Jacobson; as well as other beloved extended family members.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Fargo Elim and HIA Hospice for the excellent care Joan received.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN. Lunch will be served following the service. Burial will be at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND, at 2:00 p.m.