Helen Maxine Jacobsen

Helen Maxine Jacobsen, 88, of Buhl, passed away September 15, 2024. She was born to Hubert and Leta Smith on January 1, 1936, and attended school in Buhl, Idaho, and graduated in 1954. 

After graduation, Helen went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone as an operator. She met Arlo Jacobsen that same year and the two were married in December of 1954. Arlo and Helen lived at Hells Canyon for a short time. Their son, Doug, was born in 1956, followed by Jeff in 1960, Cathy in 1962, and Steven in 1965.They lived in Buhl for most of their lives.

In 1970, Helen went to work for Shelby’s Market (later Smith’s Food King), as a bookkeeper and checker for about 18 years. Upon leaving there, she went to work for Idaho First National Bank in Buhl, and later she worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles. She retired after about 13 years.

Helen was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for many years and bowled for over 50 years attending many tournaments with her good friends. Helen and her class friends of 1954 were still meeting a couple of times during the years.

Arlo passed away in 1989 and Helen met Cecil Geiger in 1991, and after a long friendship they were married in 2004 in Reno, Nevada, while on a bus tour. Cecil and Helen spent many winters in Tucson, Arizona.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Leta; sister, Lois; brother-in-law, Art Anderst; her first husband, Arlo; and her daughter, Cathy Shaddy.

She is survived by her husband, Cecil; children, Doug (Keerie), Jeff (Tina), and Steve (Deann); stepchildren, Curtis and Marie; 9 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty (Glenn) Kiser.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Helen’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.