Laurel Benson "Jake" Jacobson

RUPERT, Idaho - Laurel Benson "Jake" Jacobson, 93, of Rupert, Idaho, a former Great Falls resident who owned and operated several businesses while living here, died of natural causes Tuesday in Rupert.
At his request, cremation has taken place under the direction of Hansen Mortuary Rupert Chapel. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Jake is survived by his wife, Leone; sons Kim (Bonnie) Jacobson of Rupert and Ken (Vicki) Jacobson of the Minneapolis area; daughters Nancy (Jim) Johnstone and Mary (Tim) Audette of the Minneapolis area, and JoAnn (Mark) Zumberge of Olympia, Wash.; a sister, Norma Sheetz of Minneapolis; and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Jake was born the elder son of Martin and Ellen Benson Jacobson on Feb. 17, 1913, in Pope County, Minn. He married Lucille Gruidl and they made their home in Minneapolis. During their marriage, four children were born to them. The couple later divorced.
Jake then met and married Leone Notch, and they moved to Great Falls, Mont. To this union one son, L. Kim Jacobson, was born.
Jake operated several businesses. He painted houses on the Hungry Horse Dam Project when he first moved to Great Falls, farmed, and operated a nursing home. He operated a fleet of school buses that he contracted with the school district in Great Falls. He also owned a gas station, truck stop, several parts houses, a brake shop, an upholstery shop and a muffler company. During his semi-retirement, while residing in Yuma, Ariz., he owned and operated a company that manufactured dashboard covers that were sold throughout the Southwest. Jake fully retired in 1996.
Jake was always very proud of his Norwegian heritage and for most of his life was a member of the Sons of Norway.
Jake and Lee moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where they lived for a short time in the late 1990s, and then relocated to Rupert to be near their son Kim.
Jake enjoyed reading and listening to current events on the news. He was always willing to discuss politics and the economy. He enjoyed visiting the Senior Centers in Twin Falls and Rupert.
Jake was a gentle soul and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Percival.
Dad, we are so glad you have finally found the peace you so desired.
Condolences may be sent online to greatfallstribune.com/obituaries.