Gerald D. Jacobson "Jerry", 79 of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, formerly of Ray, North Dakota departed this life October, 10th, 2014 at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Jerry was born February 17th, 1935 at Ray, ND the son and fifth child of seven children to Lloyd and Ethel (Anderson) Jacobson. He attended schools in Ray and in 1953 joined the Air Force for 4 years. He was employed by Jacobson Construction, building grain elevators, from age 16 until 1959 when his father died, then he and his brothers managed the company – constructing hundreds of elevators across the US and Canada.
In February of 1959 he married Jordyce Rosenvold of Ray. They lived in Ray, Williston & Bismarck, North Dakota until 1986 when they moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. While in Idaho he worked for J Sons Construction, of Bismarck, ND, and helped his wife in her antique shop, refinishing antiques. In pursuit of his passions, the history of World War II and his family genealogy, Jerry made many trips to Europe where he met relatives in Norway and Sweden and traced many of the battlefields and routes of the war. The most meaningful times were spent cheering on his grandchildren, in their many endeavors. He was an avid 'Zag" fan.
Jerry had a fun loving personality and a great sense of humor. He loved cooking for his family and friends.
Jerry is survived by his three sons, Wally (Tamara) Jacobson, Hayden Lake, ID, Grant (Lisa) Jacobson, Post Falls, ID, and Scott (Ellen) Jacobson, Auckland, New Zealand. His grandchildren: Jordan (Megan) Jacobson, Kirkland, WA, Justin Jacobson, Belgrade, MT, Garrick Jacobson, Aurora, CO, Sonja Jacobson, Bozeman, MT, and step-grandchildren Toland (Mande) Taylor, Pensacola, FL and Tara (Matthew) Shochat, Los Angeles, CA, and step-great-grandchild Tylan Taylor, Pensacola, FL , and newly born great-grandchild, Sydney Jacobson, Kirkland, WA, and close friend and neighbor Chris Baker, Coeur d'Alene, ID, sisters Phyllis Amb, Woodburn, OR, Judy (Ron) Olson, Garrison, ND, sister-in-law, Carol Jacobson, Bismarck, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Jordyce, his parents, brothers Don Jacobson, Rodney Jacobson, sisters Joanne Aardahl, and Marilyn Holland, brother-in-law, Stan Aardahl and sister-in-law, Audrey (Soine) Jacobson.
Jerry will be missed by all.
A memorial gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, October 18th at 600 W. Hubbard Street, #43, Coeur d’Alene, ID. His Funeral will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at the Ray Lutheran Church, Ray, N.D. Interment will be at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Ray.
Memorials maybe directed to either Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or Homeless Veterans Outreach Center, 705 W. Second Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201-4412