Knud Jacobsen

Knud Jacobsen—a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud American who never lost his Danish accent—passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, at age 93. He lived a long, well-lived life filled with love, humor, hard work, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Born one of five children, with three older brothers and a twin sister, Knud grew up on the family farm in Denmark during the Nazi occupation. Though their remote island shielded him from the war’s worst devastation, those years shaped his view of the world.

In 1952, he immigrated to California to work on his uncle’s dairy farm in Solvang, arriving with no English but a strong-willed determination. He was part of a wave of Danes who settled in Solvang as travel reopened after World War II. Just a week after his arrival, he met his future wife, Elisabeth Simonsen.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Knud learned English while preparing for deployment to Korea. Just two days before shipping out, his orders changed, and he was sent instead to war-ravaged Berlin. There, he regularly passed through the Brandenburg Gate to guard Nazi war criminals at Spandau Prison. Between shifts, he studied for his U.S. citizenship, proudly earning it in 1954 while still stationed in Germany.

After his service, Knud returned to Solvang, married Elisabeth, and built a life centered on family and community. Together, they raised three children—Esther, Glen, and Mary—while Knud established a successful career in construction, eventually founding KJ Concrete Construction. He liked to brag about his perfect driving record and enjoyed pointing out the buildings, patios, and structures he had helped construct.

Known for his strong handshake, sharp wit, and ever-present humor, Knud embraced both his Danish heritage and American citizenship with pride. For over 65 years, he was member of Dania, the Danish Brotherhood, the American Legion, and Bethania Lutheran Church. He also gave his time to the Elverhøj Museum, Rebild National Park Society, and the Solvang Volunteer Fire Department. In 2008, he and Elisabeth were honored as Grand Marshals of the Danish Days Parade in recognition of their contributions to the annual festival.

A loyal friend, a master of the oak pit BBQ, and always ready to lend a hand, Knud left a lasting mark on his community.

Above all, Knud’s greatest joy was his family. A fun-loving Bedstefar (grandfather) to seven and great-grandfather to seven more, he filled their lives with stories, laughter, and Danish traditions. Whether tending his garden, hosting family barbecues, sharing coffee and pastry with a side of humor, his presence brought warmth and laughter.

Knud was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elisabeth, and their son, Glen. He is survived by his daughters, Esther Jacobsen Bates (Mark) and Mary Place (Robert), along with his extended family and many friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 11 at 11 AM at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Atterdag Village of Solvang, Bethania Lutheran Church, Viking Charities, or a charity of your choice—continuing Knud’s legacy of generosity and community spirit.