June 26, 1917 - January 06, 2018
KATHLEEN JACOBSEN ( Age 100) - Passed away January 6, 2018, in Spokane Valley, WA. Born Kathleen Gander on June 26, 1917, in Roundup, MT in a log home built by her father. She was the first child of Harry Gander and Harriet Doyel Gander. Siblings Gilbert, Harriet Josephine and Wesley completed the family. At age 10 Kathleen moved with her family to Corvallis, MT, where she graduated from Corvallis High School. She attended Butte Business College, was married and had a daughter, Andrea. Kathleen married Oliver Jacobsen in 1951 and also became mom to his son, Jim. The family lived in Pomeroy, WA, where she was a 4-H leader and active in her church and the community. In 1957 Kathleen and Oliver moved to Spokane, ultimately settling in Spokane Valley. She worked as a secretary for many years including at Gonzaga University and the Washington State Patrol. She was a proud retiree of the WSP and remembered fondly those she had worked with there. A devout Christian, she was a faithful member of Opportunity Christian Church for more than 50 years, serving the church in countless ways along with husband, Oliver. Kathleen was kind and generous and always a willing volunteer. She volunteered at the Valley Hospital gift shop until she was nearly 90. She would help anyone in need including family, friends, neighbors or perfect strangers. She loved her yard and garden and the birds and grew beautiful roses. Remembered as "Nan" or "Auntie Kay" or "Kathy," she and Oliver welcomed all to their home and everyone recounts delightful memories of backyard picnics and fun in the pool. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gilbert Gander; by her husband, Oliver Jacobsen, and son Jim Jacobsen. Surviving Kathleen are daughter Andrea Hart and husband Ron; grandson Chris Schwarz; grandson Bill Schwarz and wife Zabdi and their children; sister Jo Russell; brother Wes Gander; grandaughter Heidi Jacobsen-Watts and her family; and many extended family members who will remember her with love. Family and friends gathered to honor and celebrate Kathleen on her 100th birthday on June 26, 2017. We wish to thank Colonial Court for providing a kind and loving home for Kathleen for the past 3 1/2 years.
