Allen A. Jacobson, 87

Allen A. Jacobson, 87, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2023, one day after what would have been the 66th wedding anniversary to his wife, Sharon Rae Hileman Jacobson. Allen, known to many as "Jake," was born on June 1, 1935, to Ella and Leslie Jacobson in Glasgow.

When Allen was a young boy his family moved from Glasgow to a ranch in the Bissell area west of Whitefish. Allen was raised there, and at 16 he graduated from Flathead County High School in Kalispell. He went on to college in Dillon and Havre and at the young age of 19 accepted a teaching position in Chinook and then one in Kalispell.

Allen married Sharon, the love of his life, on Jan. 7, 1957. After marrying, Allen accepted a new teaching position in Columbia Falls, teaching junior high science and math. The couple went on to have four children, Pam Minster and Greg, Gary, and Brian Jacobson.

Allen also continued his education through the summers receiving a bachelor of science degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a master of science degree from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. He received a Fulbright fellowship in 1967-68 for intercultural teaching in Izmir, Turkey, taking his young family with him.

To supplement his teaching income, Allen was in the Montana National Guard, sold Hamilton Life Insurance and stock annuities and worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Hungry Horse. Over the years, Allen bought and sold the Columbia Falls City Cleaners and acquired many rental properties. His favorite "extra" work was ranching starting early every morning, waking his kids for chores and then herding everyone off to school, teaching, and returning home for night chores.

Allen and Sharon loved to serve their community and were very active in Jaycees throughout their lives. Allen especially enjoyed the Jaycee-sponsored events such as the Jr. Miss pageants, snowmobile races and rodeos. Allen became Montana State Jaycee President and a national ambassador. The highlight of this position was meeting with President Nixon in the Oval Office.

After 30 years, Allen had influenced over 4,000 students who remember him most for the rock collection assignment. He then retired from teaching and ran for Flathead County Commissioner. When he completed his years as county commissioner, representing the Flathead Valley and the people he loved, he sold real estate until his final retirement at age 72. Allen's retirement included spending time in his two favorite locations, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, and his beloved cabin "up the North Fork" of the Flathead Valley.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents – Leslie and Ella; three sisters – Ester Andersen, Leona Hileman and Marlene Hulme; two brothers – Leland and Leroy Jacobson; his in-laws – Ernie and Margie Hileman.

He is survived by his brother Norman Jacobson; sister Elaine Thacher; sister-in-law Lynne Duff; children: Pamela Riedel Minster - husband Dave, Gregory Allen Jacobson- wife Roxanne, Gary Ernest Jacobson - wife Susan, and Brian Leslie Jacobson- wife Keersti. Allen had eight grandchildren: Kyle and Kris Riedel, Kiersten Weaver, Jesse, Anja, Ryan, Justin, and Jake Jacobson; 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held June 17 at 10 a.m. in the old Columbia Falls Jr. High gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriner's Hospital at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/4362067

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Whitefish Pilot from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Jacobson

6 Entries

Patrick Gosewisch

August 27, 2023

Such a great guy. Allen sold me some property up on Trail Creek. We became great friends along with so many others up in the North Fork. Gonna miss him tremendously. We had so many good times and laughed til our sides hurt during all our times together and our silly hunting excursions. Rest in peace with Sharon my friend... Patrick from Chicago.

Kurt Blades

July 5, 2023

Pam, Greg,Gary,& Brian. So sorry to hear of your father´s passing. He was a terrific Jr. High teacher. His patience for all those years with all of us smart alec kids was amazing. I was lucky enough to reconnect later in life with and appreciate what a kind man he was. So sorry was unable to attend his service. What a life well lived. Take care -

Don and Laura Schrock

June 1, 2023

Thoughts and prayers to the family. Allen was a teacher to our kids when they went to Columbia Falls schools.

Laurel Parratt

February 21, 2023

I was raised in West Glacier, MT and for grades 7-12 we were all bused the 40 miles round trip to Columbia Falls!! I remember kind Mr. Jacobson when I was in 7th grade. I had Mr. McNeil for 7th grade and Mrs. McGaugh for 8th grade...Mr. Jacobson was a wonderful teacher those years and was very kind and all of us kids thought the world of him...I know Allen's sister in law very well...Lynne Duff and her whole family...what a loving caring family all of them are...I probably won't be able to attend Allen's service but I will hold all of you in prayer...love, sympathy and many unending prayers. All my love from Laurel Lundgren Parratt=30 miles north of Seattle, WA in Marysville, WA 98270.

Barb & Mike Tait

January 31, 2023

It is with broken hearts we send our belated condolences. We loved
Allen & Sharon both so much. They welcomed us when we bought a cabin across from them in the Northfork and we shared so many wonderful times with them. RIP Allen. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad.

Janet Nelson

January 13, 2023

Allen was the nicest, kindest man I've ever met. He was the realtor that sold me my property on Whale Creek in the North Fork. I was fortunate enough to meet his wife at one of his Fourth of July barbeques. She was very sweet and welcoming also. While vacationing there he would always invite me to dinner and I was very appreciative to have the invite and enjoyed his company. I wasn't able to travel to Montana the past several years and it saddened me that I would not see him at a time of his illness. I will always remember him as he was a happy, positive and encouraging individual. He always had a kind word and greeted me with a hug and a smile. A true gentleman. If I needed help, he was always there. I will miss him and cherish the friendship we had. May he Rest in Peace and be forever reunited with his beloved wife. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel. You will always be in the North Fork "in spirit". Your Friend, Janet Nelson on Whale Creek(Deep Woods Trail)

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