Lee Kay Jacobsen

He died peacefully with his loving wife Lela, his daughter Bonnie, and 2 ministers at his side. Lee's soul found solace in the love and baptism of Christ, and he was carried aloft by the love and best wishes of his family, friends, neighbors, and members of his cherished faith community.

Lee and Lela Jacobsen were lifelong partners and shared 68 years of marriage. They were married on December 24, 1955, when Lela was 18 and Lee was 23. Their journey began after they met at a gospel meeting 45 miles from Lela's home, and they got engaged at a cafe in Kalama, Washington. Throughout their lives, they devoted themselves to their faith and found joy in serving others.

For most of his life, Lee enjoyed exceptional health and fitness, actively engaging in various pursuits. He began his career as an accountant, then became Good Samaritan Hospital's first Computer Analyst, transitioning to becoming a business owner and finally a Retail Management Consultant. Alongside managing his business, he enjoyed exercising and tending to his garden, relishing the refreshing Pacific Northwest breeze on his rose-scented property. During retirement, Lee became a certified Master Gardener. With gratitude for his spiritual journey, he would reflect on the fulfillment of growing a garden while carrying buckets of tools, bags of fertilizer, and piles of clippings.

Raised on a family farm in Froid, Montana, Lee learned the virtues of honest work, the significance of family, the value of community, and the intricacies of farming from an early age.

Throughout his life, Lee and his wife, Lela, were devoted Christians in a Church that emphasized simplicity and service. He found solace in reading the Bible and the teachings of the ministers who lived modestly and preached in pairs. Lee took great joy in having a granddaughter who followed in their footsteps and became a minister herself.

Service was a cornerstone of Lee and Lela's lives. They opened their home to eight foster children and provided care for three convalescing ministers. Together with his wife, Lela, they navigated the Foster Care System, managed finances, and overcame the challenges of a large, nontraditional household. Lee's commitment to child welfare extended beyond his family, as he founded Portland's Exchange Club's Child Abuse Prevention Program, which Portland's Emmanuel Hospital later adopted.

Lee also served in the Army during the Cold War, stationed in Hokkaido, Japan, an island the Soviet Union contested. He received an honorable discharge in 1955.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife, Lela Jacobsen, who was his lifelong partner and love for 68 years. He is also survived by their children & their spouses: Bonnie McCalmont (Mike), Rick Jacobsen (Nikki) and Lance Jacobsen (Annette) - as well as five grandchildren & their spouses: Devin Peters (Lindy), Julia Jacobsen (Nikki), Kylee Jacobsen (Jacklynn), Lauren Jacobsen, Dana Jacobsen and two great-grandchildren: Kai & Jayden.

He cherished his faith, had many beloved friends, and enjoyed the support of a spiritual community throughout his lifetime. Although his passing brings grief, there is solace in knowing that he lived and died in his faith of God and cherished memories shared with him bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Lee will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225 with a reception to follow.

Following the reception will be a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR 97086. Please arrive no later than 1:45pm to allow time to locate the assigned waiting area.

Please feel welcome to share your condolences, warm memories, and cherished photos on this page to be enjoyed by Lee's friends and loved ones.