Pearl Berdell Jacobson was born September 29, 1916, in Borup, MN, to John and Emma (Anderson) Jacobson. Pearl was raised in Borup and graduated from Borup High School in 1932. She was very active in athletics, including boys' basketball. They allowed her to scrimmage with the boys' team since they were short-handed. She also excelled with the girls' basketball team.