Friday, March 29, 2024 -
Print Edition

Dr. Rudy Jacobson

Dr. Rudy Jacobson

Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Jacobson, a child Holocaust survivor, veteran, and a practicing dentist in Denver for many years, passed away July 14, 2020, in Denver. He was 87. Rabbi Benj Fried officiated at the July 24 graveside service at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, Calif. Shalom Funeral Service made the arrangements.

Dr. Jacobson was born in Insterburg, East Prussia, on May 11, 1933 to Greta (Simon) and Erwin Cohen. He was raised and later adopted by his stepfather, Erich Jacobson.

He lived in Bamberg, Germany until the age of six.

Dr. Jacobson vividly remembered witnessing Kristallnacht, November 9-10, 1938. Within days, the Gestapo arrived at his family’s home and arrested his stepfather, who was deported to Dachau.

Greta secured passage on the St. Louis and landing passes for Cuba for her family. The pass enabled Erich’s release from Dachau.

Cuba denied entry to the St. Louis and the ship was forced to reverse course.

Because they had a child under two, the famiy was able to stay in Holland.

When their US visas were called in February, 1940, they left for America and settled in Milwaukee.

Later in life, he made it his life’s mission to educate students and adults about the Holocaust.

Dr. Jacobson graduated Shorewood High School in Milwaukee in 1951. He attended Marquette University, where he received his DDS.

He served in the US Navy from 1957-1960.

After the Navy, he decided to move to Denver because he loved everything about Colorado.

He opened his dental practice, married Donna Silver and welcomed his only child Jodi in 1965.

An avid fisherman, Dr. Jacobson always said that he wanted to spend his final hours fishing on the side of a lake.

Dr. Jacobson, who traveled throughout the US and the world, volunteered his dental services in Israel.

A train hobbyist, he created a professional grade model train railroad layout and collection featuring rare engines, train cars and accessories.

Dr. Jacobson was honored by the nonprofit Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND), and was active in the American Dental Assn., Rocky Mountain Dental Study Club, Chicago Dental Society, Alpha Omega Fraternity’s Denver alumni chapter and CU Medical Center’s School of Dentistry.

He retired from dentistry in 1998.

A member of BMH-BJ, he regularly attended the symphony, theater, opera and sporting events.

Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Jacobson is survived by his daughter Jodi (Ross) Milstein; granddaughter Layla; brother Tom (Peggy) Jacobson; stepdaughter Carin (John) Imig and stepson David (Pascale) Kish; and step-grandsons Bradley and Brian.

Contributions may be made to Kavod, 1779 Kirby Pkwy., #1-362, Memphis, TN 38138; or Jewish Family Service of Colorado.

Copyright © 2020 by the Intermountain Jewish News




Leave a Reply