He was kind. William C. (Bill) Jacobsen, 83.5, of Sturgis, passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 29, 2015. Bill was born on April 29, 1932, to Alice and Randolph Jacobsen of Yankton, South Dakota. He shared fond memories of growing up in Yankton, like chasing the ice wagon in summer for cast-off chips and playing along the Missouri River. He served in United States Army during the Korean Conflict and finished his education at Yankton College and the University of South Dakota. A blind date led to a happy and long marriage to Kay Unger. They had three children; all were told at one time or another they were "Number One." Bill spent most of his career as a high school principal, but always referred to himself as a teacher. He served as a Mason, Shriner, and Lion, and delivered Meals on Wheels. Retirement led Bill and Kay to their ranch on Nemo Road. For many years they walked through the woods, golfed, and played duplicate bridge. They enjoyed family gatherings where Bill taught his grandchildren how to hand feed wild birds, play Russian rummy, perform magic tricks, and tell wonderful tales. Bill had adventure in his soul. Bill is sadly missed by Kay, his wife of 56 years, his daughter, Pam Mitchell, her husband Gary and children Tegan, David, Bill and Mara, his daughter Kristine (C.C.) Downs, her husband David and son Max, and his son Brad Jacobsen, his wife Renée and children Nikki, Sam, Ben, and Jak. Bill is also survived by his siblings Marge Berke, Margaret Engen, Sue (Larry) Good, Tom (Jean) Jacobsen, Steve (Chris) Jacobsen, Becky (Terry) Thunker, and sister-in-law Beverly Unger, along with many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kay's parents Floyd and Orpah Unger, his siblings Jack Jacobsen, Janice Powell and her husband John, and brothers-in-law Jim Berke, Bruce Unger, and Jim Engen. Bill lived a long, happy, and fulfilled life. Years ago, when asked what he wanted on his tombstone, he thought for a bit and replied, "He was kind." Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Hospice of the Northern Hills. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.