Richard Ernest Jacobsen

Richard Ernest Jacobsen was born in Waterloo, Iowa Sept. 5, 1931 to Danish immigrant parents, Margrethe Clara Robenhagen and Viggo Ernest Jacobsen. He passed away April 3, 2022 fulfilling the desire of his heart to be reunited with his wife Janet.

Richard grew up on a family farm in Waterloo, Iowa and attended Maynard schools. He was active in track, FFA, basketball, baseball and served on the High School Annual staff. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1950. Later he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.

In 1951 while working at Rath Meat Packing in Waterloo Richard met and became friends with Dick McElhaney, and introduced this new friend to his sister Betty Jacobsen. Dick and Betty later married and Richard and Dick’s friendship became lifelong.

Richard enlisted in the Navy and served honorably during the Korean Conflict in the heat of battle. In 1953 he married Janet Colleen McCay in Pocatello, Idaho. Needing to be at the San Diego Naval Base the newlyweds moved to San Diego, California.

It was in Pocatello that Richard and Janet’s family began to grow. Wanting to ensure his family was taken care of Richard worked hard, sometimes working three jobs. He started his own janitorial business working with his oldest son in the early morning then driving for Garrett Truck Service during the day. After retiring from Garrett he was hired by ISU where he enjoyed doing grounds keeping.

Richard served as an adult leader in the scouting program and was deservedly proud to be awarded the Silver Beaver which is given to persons of “exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council.” It was during a Scout Leadership training trip that he shared a tent with a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both men would attend Scout training during the day and share gospel discussions at night. Those evening tent discussions were when Richard made the decision to be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Feb.16, 1974 the Jacobsen family was sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. After this sacred experience Richard would often affectionately remark, “Families are forever.”

He enjoyed serving others and received the opportunity to participate in various church service callings. He had a strong interest in the Scouting program and loved being outdoors with the young scouts as their mentor. The years he spent volunteering with his wife Janet at the Church Cannery providing food resources to those in need, were some of his most cherished times.

Richard was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, his greatest joy was his family. His grandchildren remember him as a kind, happy, loving man.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, camping and the majestic mountains in Pocatello. He was an amazing bowler and won tournaments. He coached baseball and participated in horseshoe competitions. He enjoyed his time gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with his family. He relished making rhubarb slush for his family during the hot summer months. All this was done with a big smile on his face. When he could no longer dig, hoe, and rake he spent hours hand watering his roses and lawn.

Richard is predeceased by his wife Janet, parents Margrethe and Viggo, an infant sister, sister Millie, and brother Gordy.

He is survived by his sister Betty (Dick), children Richard (Christianne), Drurene (Randy), Chrisy, Blaine (Tracy) and Colleen, twenty-one grandchildren, fifty-two great grandchildren, and nephews and nieces all of whom will miss his smiles, hugs, kind words and love.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chubbuck 6th Ward Building on Siphon Road.  A viewing will also be held at the church from 10-10:45 a.m.  

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