Cover photo for Carl "Terry" Jacobsen's Obituary
1938 Carl "Terry" Jacobsen 2025

Carl "Terry" Jacobsen

December 17, 1938 — May 15, 2025

Pocatello

Carl “Terry” Jacobsen passed away on May 15, 2025. He was born on December 17, 1938, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Grace and Elden Jacobsen. After living and attending school in Southeast Idaho in his earlier years, he relocated with his family for a short time to California where he graduated from Pacifica High School.

In 1958 he began his career with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), initially working with the Special Crews team constructing Interstate 15 between Chubbuck Road and Fort Hall. He later joined the District 5 Lab, where his commitment was so impactful that the lab was renamed in his honor upon reaching 60 years of service. In recognition of his achievement, then Governor Butch Otter proclaimed July 24, 2018, as “Terry Jacobsen Day” throughout Idaho.

Terry’s dedication to public service is evident in his remarkable and record breaking 64-year tenure with the State. He officially retired on November 16, 2022, with over 134,000 hours of service as the longest-serving public employee in the state of Idaho.

Terry married Vickie Lee Nelson Jacobsen in the LDS Logan Temple in 1968.

Terry served in the Army National Guard from 1961-1969 and was Inner Guard for many years with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE).

Terry was a self-taught scholar with a genius IQ. He enjoyed lively debates in his carefully crafted and numerous Letters to the Editor. He studied advanced mathematics, world religions, politics and history. He practiced yoga every day, doing shoulder stands and the plow position.

Survivors include Vickie Jacobsen (eternal companion) - Pocatello, ID; Christy Kiggins (daughter) - Pocatello, ID; Mary Jacobsen (daughter) - West Hollywood, CA; Claire Williams (sister) - Pocatello, ID; Peyton Kiggins (granddaughter) - Pocatello, ID; Nick Kiggins (grandson) - Pocatello, ID; Cole Kiggins (great grandson); Aniah Kiggins (great granddaughter); and Loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Elden Jacobsen (Father); Grace Jacobsen (Mother); Darla Coito (Sister); and Chris Jacobsen (Brother).

Services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11 am at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, ID 83202.

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Funeral Service

Monday, May 19, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

Wilks Funeral Home - Chubbuck

211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID 83202

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