Jeffrey Hjelm

Jeffrey Von Hjelm 10/7/55-11/15/2024
Jeff Hjelm, age 69 passed peacefully, surrounded by family November 15, 2024, due to the effects of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Jeff was born October 7, 1955, in Blackfoot, Idaho to Roy A. and Melva Fern Hjelm weighing in at a whopping 4 pounds. As the "caboose" of the family, he was lovingly referred to as the Golden Child by family members as there was a 10-year difference between him and his closest sibling. He may have been just a tiny bit spoiled.
He attended Blackfoot High School, walking promptly in the front door and out the back, as he had much better things to do. Regardless of his scant attendance, he made many lifelong friends throughout his school years.
He started working at the age of 14, moving sprinkler pipes for area farmers. Driving to and from work on a motorcycle -even though he was not a licensed driver at the time. He briefly worked construction and potato warehouse jobs but found that just wasn't for him. He returned to find work in the agricultural industry at Simplot Soil Builders, and later other fertilizer companies. where he advanced from laborer to Applicator Operator. He truly took pride in his work. He retired in 2017 but soon ran out of "honey do's" and returned to Simplot to work part-time until his family encouraged him to transition to enjoyment verses employment.
He met Kathi Packer in March of 1987 and the two soon became inseparable. They married on December 12, 1987, in Hagerman, Idaho. Jeff became an instant father to her children. He cherished his new role. He proudly devoted his life to his new family, walking his daughter down the aisle for a ring ceremony and passing out cigars when his son was able to legally take his name. His greatest joy came when he became a grandfather to the most precious humans alive. His family was everything to him, and he was everything to them as well.
He enjoyed many camping and fishing trips with friends and family, teaching each of his grandchildren the love of the outdoors and all things fishing. He was the "captain" of the boat with many mischievous near-death experiences to anyone that was brave enough to get on the tube with him at the wheel. He enjoyed snowmobiling Wolverine Canyon, spending many nights at Webb Ranch-a place he truly loved.
He enjoyed playing horseshoes, washer boards, quite campfires, car shows, mountain drives, good concerts, and thunderous lightning storms. He had a great love for animals and had many loyal pets that were instantly drawn to him.
In 2009, Jeff was diagnosed with leukemia. After a 15-year challenge he was then diagnosed with a rare form of Lou Gerig's disease which presented him with his toughest battle. He fought bravely and told his family and friends daily how much he loved and appreciated them.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathi, his daughter Amber (Brandon) Hawker, son Mathew Cody (Soncere) Hjelm, 11 grandchildren; Larz Hawker (girlfriend Liz Barlow) Alix Mayer (Andrew), Niya Hawker, Will Hawker, Trystin Young-Saurey (Camron), Sydra Rodriguez (Thomas) Kaden Hjelm, Tyler Young (Kristina) Kyra Hjelm, Keldrah Young (Jacob Jackman) and Packer Von Hjelm. 2 great granddaughters, Raelyn and Paris Young with 2 great grandsons on the way. Also surviving is his loving sister Judy K. Davidson, and cherished sisters-in-law Joan Lloyd (Roger) and Kellie (Val) Mecham. He was the favorite Uncle to many treasured nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy A, and Melva F. Hjelm, his father and mother-in-law Duane K and Evelyn V. Packer, his brother Roy A. Hjelm Jr., sister-in-law Cathy Hjelm, and is loyal dog Jack, who we are sure greeted him at the gates of heaven.
A viewing is scheduled Friday, November 22, 2024, from 6-8 with Funeral services November 23, 2024, beginning at 2 pm with additional viewing 1 hour prior to the service at Hawker Funeral Home 132 South Shilling Ave.
The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to Portneuf Cancer Center-especially Jennifer Robinson and Amy Busalacchi, University of Utah ALS Clinic Dr Kelsey Barrell and Dr. Summer Gibson, Heritage Home Health, Guss Grimmett, Kim Braswell and Kathy Andreason and the ICU staff that loving cared for him in his final days.
Please consider donating to The ALS Foundation or The American Cancer Society to help find a cure.