On behalf of the so, so many hospital staff you mentored, thank you for being so generous with your time and humor. Our son, Derrick, was so fortunate to be your last one — you poured eight years into him, teaching him that patient care is foremost and the work day can be fun. So many stories, but I love the day when new management had taken over the hospital and they asked to meet with you two. Not knowing what it would be about, you told Derrick to wear his best suit. The upper management were noticeably uncomfortable because they were underdressed for the important meeting. Thank you for all the knowledge and laughs. Derrick certainly won one of the lotteries of life to be your partner for eight years.

— Mark and Aileen Schinderle

Congratulations on your retirement! We are grateful for your care for over 50 years. We are blessed with two beautiful children that you caringly delivered. When there was a medical issue, you were always there. We wish you all the best in your days of relaxing.

— Fred and Cynthia Giachino

I arrived on this planet almost 60 years ago via c-section, and it was Doc Jacobs who delivered me. I also saw him as his patient a month before his retirement. My wife has also been his patient all of her life. We grew up under his care, and got to know him as well throughout the years. To say he’ll be missed is an understatement. Thank you for your commitment to your patients and the care you have given.

— Pete Rossato

When first I saw the light, it was reflected in the face of Dr. Donald Jacobs. He delivered me and more than 1,000 others, including my brothers. Since then, I have seen a more celestial light reflected in him: the light of humility as he helped carry his wheelchair-bound father up the front steps of our church, long before anyone thought of installing a ramp; the light of devotion as he kept my beloved grandmother alive past her 96th birthday, through two decades of angina before anyone had heard of stents and through two bouts of compression fractures before anyone had invented vertebroplasty; the light of reconciliation as this scion of Lebanon made a Jewish neighbor one of his dearest friends, smoothed over disputes between those who should have been like-minded, and offered gifts when he could have held a grudge; the light of kindness as he co-founded a group to serve his beloved community and underwrote summer-camp scholarships to perpetuate his life-defining faith; the light of contentment as he accepted the travails of old age without complaint.

When asked how he feels, he always answers, “Never better.” He is telling the truth because he is referring to his soul. When receiving praise, he immediately quips, “The halo is getting heavy.” No, it has gotten bright. When first I saw the light, I met it with a cry. Now, I meet with undying gratitude the light reflected in the face of Dr. Donald Jacobs.

— Jon Corombos

Congratulations to Dr. Jacobs He delivered my younger sister, and was her prayer partner for years and delivered all three of my children. He is truly the best. My son-in-law did his internship with him and loved every minute with him. If you ever went to him, he was your friend for life.

— Beanie Leffler

I wish to express my sincerest respect and gratitude for Dr. Jacobs. He was our family physician and cared for me throughout my pregnancies and deliveries. He not only provided medical care, he also gave emotional support through trying times. He played a most important role in my life, and I will forever be thankful for him. As he retires now, I wish him all the happiness that he so deserves.

— Ronnie Olson

Dr. Don Jacobs delivered all three of our sons, age 47, 45 and 42. When Dr. Jacobs detected a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma lump in my wife’s belly 20 years ago, the oncologist at the Mayo Clinic told us to buy Dr. Jacobs a bottle of wine. He said, “Most doctors don’t detect this so early.” Dr. Jacobs is the reason my wife and sons are healthy. Dr. Don Jacobs is the real deal.

— Stephen Lewis

Dr. Jacobs was my doctor for many years starting in 1971, when my family moved to Iron Mountain. He delivered four of my six children. The first three were fast deliveries. When I would call the hospital, they said, “We will wait until you are here and call him when you are ready!” Well, he made all three deliveries in the nick of time, always in the middle of the night! Then I called in for the fourth one when I was on my way to the hospital. I said, “I know you can’t call Dr. Jacobs until you check me, but I wanted to let you know I’m on my way!” The nurse said, “It says FAST DELIVERY all over your chart. We will call him now!” I met him in the elevator and I continued to labor for the next nine hours, while Dr. Jacobs patiently slept on a cot waiting. He was WONDERFUL!

— Kathy Fleury

I have known both Sally and Don Jacobs for many years. I remember Don attending prayer vigils for Cursillo at St. Mary Queen of Peace in the late hours during the night, Sally from her involvement in the Downtown Development Authority and working tirelessly beautifying the area in the Garden Club. I’m including Sally in these comments because I have seen her behind the scenes, allowing Dr. Don to prioritize his commitment to the community in his career as doctor for so many years.

We have since become their neighbors and have appreciated their work ethic through the years. The statement of “move it or lose it” sticks out in my mind, and as I see them being active in what they do, I continue to do the same. Hats off to both Dr. Don and his “better” half Sally, and thank them and appreciate them for all they have done in our community.

— Debbie and Tom Gursky

Dr. Jacobs was a huge asset to our team and the residents of the former ManorCare in his role as medical director. He was always helpful, supportive, and eager to teach. Very approachable and never demeaning or short with staff, even when we called multiple times during the night. He was professional in appearance and all interactions with nurses, staff, administrators and families. More than that, he was a great friend and dependable leader. We enjoyed our time with him and miss our daily interactions, all having great memories we will carry forever. One of a kind — thank you so much, Dr. Jacobs! Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

— Julia Berglund, former director of nursing, ManorCare, now Optalis

My Italian father-in-law was planting tomatoes in our yard when he had a stroke. He was one of Dr. Jacobs’ first patients. After returning to normal, his sons decided to take him to Mayo Clinic. It was there doctors told him to go home and enjoy life and to continue with your young intelligent doctor in Iron Mountain.

My husband returned from the Korean War and was seriously injured. It was thankfully Dr. Jacobs who brought him back to normal. As for me, he saved my life many times. He made it easy to make a phone call to him. He offered ever so much interest of his patients.

— Dorothy Occhietti

What a remarkable man and doctor! He cared for all people. Always had time for his patients. He cared deeply enough not to charge if you couldn’t pay all your bill.

He had true dedication and wouldn’t make you wait a long time for your medical tests results. He didn’t look at you like a number that had to be done within 15 minutes.

We can’t say enough good things about this special doctor. He truly loved his occupation and would keep going if his health wouldn’t have stopped him. We wish him the best and more enjoyable times at his camp.

God be with you and bless you for all your wonderful caring work in our community.

— Yvonne and Vince Fiorucci

Hello my name is Desirae and as young as I am I have always had an array of health issues. Dr. Jacobs ALWAYS found ways to better all my health conditions and sometimes even have mini-counseling sessions with me as a young teen. He went above and beyond for his patients. I can truly say I love that man! Proud of him!

— Desirae Parent

He saved my life in 1986. Thought he was going in to remove an ovarian cyst. Got in there and I had a rupture appendix that stayed in a sack and attached to an ovary. I was a sick girl for a bit but he definitely saved my life! Great man and probably the last of the Good Ole Doctors!

— Julie Izzo Fortier

My first job after graduating from nursing school was at the Dickinson County Hospital on Woodward Avenue. Dr. Jacobs was always so kind and patient with us “newbies” and he had the most beautiful suits I had ever seen. No scrubs and crocs for Dr. Jacobs! He was simply the best! Thank you DJJ !

— Bitsi Hamm

Such a wonderful man and doctor. He has doctored my family for many years and has always done it with kindness concern and quality care. One of the few old-school doctors left that was more concerned with your health care than he was about the money. Congratulations on your retirement. You will be missed and remembered as a great man, doctor and friend to many.

— Jill Romagnoli

Doc Jacobs is one of the best. Saw him for many years, along with my family. There was nothing he didn’t know and if he even had a question he would seek other options. Never once did he decline to see us no matter what he was doing or where he was. Who can say their doctor gave out his home phone number? Who can say they let you get some samples of an expensive prescription to try first? He never forgot a face and always knew your medical history. Dr. Jacobs was more like a family member then just a doctor. Forever grateful for his many years of care. Congratulations, Doc.

— Traci L. Johnson

My son, Don, was his last delivery. Awesome guy and doctor.

— Jerry Grailer

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement after a lifetime of caring for the people of Iron Mountain.

When my father, the Rev. Father Peter V. Lambert, was assigned to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church on West D Street in Iron Mountain in 1960, my parents — Father Peter and Presbytera Sophia Lambert — came to know you well. What began as an acquaintance grew into a lasting friendship that our family cherished.

You weren’t just our family doctor–you were part of our lives. You brought my brother, my sister, and me into this world. To us, you were never “Dr. Jacobs.” You were simply “Dr. Donald.”

One of my fondest memories was in 1977, when I was performing in Petoskey, Michigan, and you graciously invited me to stay at your home while I was back in Iron Mountain. Your kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on me.

My parents always spoke of you with deep affection and the highest respect. They admired not only your skill as a physician, but also your compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to the families of our hometown.

I am so grateful that you have enjoyed such a long life and that you devoted nearly seven decades to serving the community of Iron Mountain. Few people leave behind a legacy measured not only in years, but in generations of lives touched. You have done exactly that.

On behalf of the Lambert family, and in loving memory of my father and mother of blessed memory, thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and the extraordinary care you gave to so many–including my own family.

I wish you many years of good health, joy, peace, and happiness in your retirement.

With gratitude and warmest regards,

— Perry Lambert

It is difficult to measure the impact of a physician who has cared for a town not for a generation, but for a lifetime.

Dr. Jacobs was the physician who delivered me at the old Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, cared for me through childhood, and looked after our family with the kind of gentle, steady presence that quietly becomes part of the architecture of a good life in small-town America. I will always remember him during routine checkups, frightening asthma flares, pesky weekly allergy shots, a slew of relentless chest colds, and all the ordinary moments when anxious parents and children, mostly the parents, needed reassurance from someone who knew what required urgency and what certainly did not. He spoke softly and sweetly, with the calm confidence of a true caregiver. He did not sweat the small stuff, and in doing so, helped everyone around him breathe a little easier.

I also remember him outside the office, proudly wearing his beautiful, bright University of Michigan gear, which, coming from a Michigan State Spartan, is perhaps the highest compliment I can offer. The maize and blue only looks good on a man of that caliber, and there are few. At Pine Grove, where I polished his golf clubs, he and his wife could always be counted on for a kind word and, importantly to a kid, a generous tip made of paper rather than metal. They were just that kind of stock.

Only later did I fully appreciate what I had witnessed. A 66-year career in medicine, especially in a former mining town in the Upper Peninsula, is not simply a job. It is an inescapable calling. It is a life spent recognizing a need and answering it, day after day, family after family.

Dr. Jacobs was one of my earliest examples of what a doctor could be: gentle, humble, dependable, deeply human. I have no doubt that his presence planted one of the seeds that eventually led me toward my own life in medicine. It is the honest truth that in many of my patient visits, when diagnosing a lung cancer or discussing an operative plan, I find myself trying to emulate his ability to gently handle such delicate situations. For this, and for the countless ways he cared for our family and our town, I will always be grateful.

— Dr. Paul W. Furlow, MD, PhD

Boston

After nearly 70 years of dedicated service, it is difficult to measure the impact Doc has had on the countless lives he has touched. His remarkable career has been defined not only by his medical knowledge and skill, but by the compassion, kindness, and genuine respect he showed every patient — young and old.

Having had the privilege of working alongside Doc for several years, I witnessed firsthand the exceptional care and concern he brought to every interaction. He treated each patient with dignity, patience, and warmth, making them feel heard, valued, and cared for.

One of the most inspiring aspects was his commitment to mentor the next generation of physicians. It was a privilege to watch him take student residents under his wing, generously sharing not only his clinical expertise, but also demonstrating that true excellence in medicine comes from caring deeply for those you serve. His example taught lessons that could never be found in a textbook.

Doc Jacobs leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his years of practice. His influence will continue through the patients whose lives he improved, the colleagues who were honored to work beside him, and the physicians he helped shape.

As he begins this well-earned retirement, I want to share my gratitude for his extraordinary service, unwavering compassion, and lasting contributions to the medical profession.

Congratulations, Doc, on an incredible career! May your retirement be filled with the same joy, kindness, and fulfillment that you have given to so many others over many decades.

— Pat Inglese

I wanted to add how wonderful Dr. Jacobs has been to me and my family.

Dr. Jacobs was our family doctor for over 50 years and cared for multiple generations of our family with remarkable compassion, skill, and dedication. He is the kind of physician who made home visits when they were needed, helped us through athletic injuries, cared for my parents, and was always there with a reassuring presence and genuine concern. His kindness and commitment to his patients made a lasting difference in countless lives, including ours.

We were fortunate to have such a compassionate doctor guiding our family’s health through the years. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs, for your service, your expertise, and the personal care you gave to every patient.

Wishing you all the best in retirement and the next chapter of your life. Your legacy will live on through the many families you helped and the lives you have touched. I am proud to have been cared for by a great University of Michigan doctor.

— Lynn Mande-Rollins

I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Jacobs in a different way. In high school I dated his son, Fred, which gave me the opportunity to know both Dr. and Mrs. Jacobs on a personal level.

Their warmth, kindness and generosity made every visit to their beautiful home so welcoming. I was always invited to join them for a Michigan game and Christmas dinner, where they constantly treated me with such thoughtfulness and genuine care.

I’ll never forget those special days spent at their home and the privilege of seeing the personal side of two truly remarkable people. They were, in a sense, the royalty of Iron Mountain and Kingsford. God bless you both. Your kindness will always remain in my heart

— Mary Rondeau Pacchini