Florence B. Jacobson

Florence B. Jacobson was born on Sept. 16, 1928, in Scobey, Montana, to her parents, Hans P. and Beulah B. (Olds) Jacobson, who owned a farm in Flaxville, Montana. She was the third of six children who joined the four half-siblings from her father’s first marriage. When Florence was 13 years old, the family moved to Kalispell, staying for several years on the west side of town near Flathead High School before moving to a house on the east side that Florence would live in for 78 years.

Florence worked at the Elektrik Maid Bakery while attending Flathead High School and started as a teller at First National Bank after graduation, where she worked for almost seven years. She joined several siblings in Los Angeles for a year, also working at a bank while in California, but returned home and worked the next 30 years at First National Bank which became Norwest Bank. She was promoted to the position of Internal Auditor as the first person to hold that position at Norwest Bank. Florence was devoted to her career, but she was also an athlete, spending time golfing and bowling in local leagues for several decades. She was an accomplished bowler, winning numerous single and team trophies. Florence also played cards in several ladies’ groups and took care of the home and yard that she shared with her parents, becoming the primary caretaker of her mother in her later years. Florence’s Christmas tree decorations and carrot cakes were legendary.

Florence was a longtime parishioner of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, and after retirement she joined the church knitters to make prayer shawls for members of the community who were ill or grieving. The knitting group became a second family to her, and she always looked forward to meeting with them. She also attended lunches and card playing groups at the Kalispell Senior Center for many years and had good friends there.

Florence’s life was enriched by family and her many friendships and activities. Until well into her 80s, Florence always sent birthday, Christmas, and numerous other holiday cards to her family members. She went on several memorable extended trips to Hawai’i to visit her sister Dorothy, often with other sisters and her mother. She also cared for three cats: Kimchi, He-She, and Mr. No Name, who was named after Florence felt like her memory loss was such that she would not be able to remember a proper name for her gray cat.

Florence died on Aug. 14, 2022. She is survived by many treasured nieces and nephews and their families throughout the United States and Canada.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, Beulah and Hans; brother Howard and his wife Maurene; sisters Evelyn Lohn and husband Vic, Dorothy Pettinato and husband Bert, Mayme Robischon and husband Jim, and Beverly Watts and ex-husband Clifford; half-brothers Alvin Jacobson and wife Marge, Henry Jacobson and wife Agnes; and half-sisters Emily Fossum and husband Leif, and Myrtle Jacobson. She also sadly lost several nephews and a niece far too early in their lives as well as many dear friends.

Florence is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families, and by a godson, Bryce Bundrock.

Florence’s knitting group held a private commendation for her at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in August. Several members were able to attend the burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens in September. The family lives in numerous locations and will not conduct a formal service. She will be deeply missed.