Daryll Wayne Jacobson

Daryll Wayne Jacobson, beloved husband, brother, son, veteran, craftsman, and longtime resident of Wisdom, Montana, passed away on September 26, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1940, in Nekoma, North Dakota, to Louis and Thelma Jacobson. His passing came just six days after the death of his wife, a final testament to the close bond they shared.

Daryll's early years were shaped by the strength, simplicity, and hard work of farm life. He and his brother Lowell were inseparable as boys, doing nearly everything together while growing up on the farm where their father worked. Their childhood was marked by a way of life that required resilience and resourcefulness, with no electricity or running water.

He graduated from high school in Petersburg, North Dakota, in 1957. A gifted athlete, Daryll competed in all sports and was remembered as someone with natural ability, drive, and a competitive spirit. He was also musically talented and played the drums.

After high school, Daryll joined the United States Air Force in 1957, serving as a medic at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Following his service, he returned home to North Dakota. In 1961, around Christmas, his father passed away. Shortly afterward, in January 1962, Daryll, his mother, and his brother Lowell moved to California, where they joined his brother Bob. While in California, Daryll drove truck until the early 1970s.

In the early 1970s, Daryll moved to Alaska, where he drove truck on the pipeline. After his time in Alaska, he made his way to Montana's Bitterroot Valley and worked building log homes. One of those homes was so remote that there were no roads leading to it, and the building materials had to be flown in by helicopter.

Daryll first came to the Big Hole Valley in the mid-1970s. It was not long before he settled in Wisdom, Montana, the place he would call home for the rest of his life. After moving to Wisdom, he continued his work as a carpenter and eventually bought the Antlers Saloon, becoming part of the fabric of the community he loved.

While living in Wisdom, Daryll met the love of his life, Kay. They were married on October 22, 1983, and enjoyed a long life together. Over the years, they ran several businesses, including the Antlers Saloon, the Wisdom River Gallery, The Silvermine and the Montana Lodge.

Daryll never quit working as a carpenter. He was always remodeling or adding onto their home or businesses, and he had an amazing talent for building custom furniture and creating fine framework. He took great pride in his work, and every piece reflected his skill, care, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.

Another of Daryll's great talents was fly fishing. He loved fishing the small streams of the Big Hole and spending the day on the river while Kay rowed the boat, putting him in perfect position to reel in the next big one.

Daryll also loved hunting, whether it was big game, gophers, ducks, or pheasants. He had a personality and sense of humor that could light up a room, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Daryll also started and ran the Big Hole Cow Pasture Open Golf Tournament for a number of years. Once a year, he built a golf course in the middle of a cow pasture so people could gather, laugh, and enjoy themselves. The event became a memorable local tradition and was even featured on the Golf Channel.

Daryll will be remembered for his steady hands, hardworking nature, adventurous spirit, and the life he built through determination and skill. From the farms of North Dakota to the Air Force, from California highways to Alaska's pipeline, and finally to the mountains and valleys of Montana, he lived a life full of hard work, humor, and purpose.

Daryll was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Thelma Jacobson; his brother, Bob Jacobson; his beloved wife, Kay Jacobson; and his children, Jade and Andrea.

He is survived by his brother Lowell and (Marjorie); his sister Marilyn (Everett); his sister-in-law Pat Jacobson; his son Guy (Raeni); his grandsons Calvin (Colette), and Jake (Dani); and his four amazing granddaughters, Abbi, Josie, Hazel, and Janet.

Daryll is also survived by his niece Trudy Dawson and her son; his nephew Matt Dawson; his brother-in-law Jack Dawson; Kay's dear cousin Scott Brown; his beloved cousin Curt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He leaves behind the memory of a man deeply shaped by family, service, craftsmanship, the outdoors, and the rugged places he called home. His story will live on in the lives he touched, the homes and furniture he built, the businesses he helped run, the rivers and hills he cherished, and the community that knew him best.

In keeping with Daryll and Kay's wishes, there will be no funeral. A reception will be held at The Antler Saloon and Fetty's on October 16 at 2:00 p.m. Those who wish are invited to bring their favorite dessert and raise a glass in celebration of Daryll and Kay's lives together.