Darrell Bartell (BART) Jacobsen

Darrell Bartell (Bart) Jacobsen died at 6:20 am on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his home in Gilbert, Arizona, after a long battle with cancer. He was 78.

Bart is survived by his wife, Susan, and five children: Brooks (Miranda), J.O. (Lorena), Jared (Nicole), Brett (Sei Jin), and Jannee (Aly-Khan). He is the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Zander, Kate, Brett, Brahm, Blake, Bryce, Wesley, Khai, Aiyan, and Ava. He is also survived by his mother, LaVerl, his 3 brothers, Mike (Alice), Lloyd (Jennifer), and Bill (Ann), and 3 step-brothers, Brad (Liz), Larry (Jaynie), and Scott (Linda). Bart was preceded in death by his father, Darrell William Jacobsen, and his step-father, Jeffrey Vernon Barrett.

Bart was born on August 18, 1940, in Logan, Utah, the first of four sons born to Darrell William Jacobsen and LaVerl Elva Satterthwaite. The family moved to San Diego, California, shortly after his birth. Some of Bart’s favorite hobbies in his youth were playing baseball, and pinstriping cars. After graduating from Hoover High School, Bart started college at San Diego State University, then transferred to Brigham Young University as a sophomore. Bart’s father died during that school year on January 4, 1961.

Bart served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand South Mission, from 1961-1963. After his mission, Bart returned to BYU to continue his studies. Bart met Darlene Lawrence in 1964, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple in 1965. Bart graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in August, 1965, and earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1966.

In 1967, Bart accepted a job in the Fullerton School District, where over the next 12 years he taught Physical Education and Special Education, and coached tennis and basketball at Lowell High School. Bart and Darlene had two sons, Brooks Bartell (b. 1967), and Jared William (b. 1969). The family moved to Newport Beach in 1969. Sadly, in 1977, Bart and Darlene were divorced after 12 years of marriage.

In 1979, Bart moved to Alpine, Utah with his two sons. In 1981, Bart fell head over heels in love when he met Susan (Sue) Alt, a recently divorced single mother of three. Bart and Sue were married later that year in the Manti LDS Temple. Bart embraced his new role as husband, and step-father to Sue’s three children (J.O., Brett, and Jannee). Bart taught Algebra at Orem Jr. High and Canyon View Jr. High over the next 25 years.

He wrote the math curriculum for the Alpine School District. He retired in 1997.

Bart’s hobbies included golf, BYU sports, arising early to study the scriptures, and taking care of his yard. He enjoyed Mexican Food, cars, the mountains of Alpine, the California Coast, and boating at Lake Powell. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, Bart served in many callings, including Bishop’s counselor, high councilor, and temple ordinance worker.

In 2002, Bart and Sue moved from Alpine to Gilbert, Arizona. During the summer months, they enjoyed trips in Laguna Beach, California, and Park City, Utah, to escape the hot Arizona summer. They traveled regularly to be with children and grandchildren, especially for birthdays and other special events.

Bart was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. He trusted the Lord’s timing for him, often saying, “We’re not in charge.” Bart became a grandfather in 2004, and he cherished his role as grandpa during the last 14 years of his life. In 2014, Bart began working as an ordinance worker in the Gilbert Temple. His service in the temple became the highlight of each week. The last six months of Bart’s life were especially difficult as his mobility progressively decreased. Despite his health problems, Bart felt a deep gratitude for the tender mercies of the Lord, and all that he had been blessed with. He was grateful to have his dear wife to care for him, and to be visited regularly by his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends. Bart considered himself a blessed man, one of the luckiest men alive.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 8, 2018, in the LDS chapel located at 1483 N. Driftwood, Gilbert, Arizona. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, in Alpine, Utah. Interment will be at the Alpine Cemetery.