Karen Rae Jacobsen-Gould

On June 12, 2014, Karen Rae Jacobsen-Gould passed away peacefully with her family by her side. 

Karen was the daughter of Raymond C. "Andy" and Eva M. Anderson. Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Karen attended Wilson Elementary School and later graduated from Lewis and Clark High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University where she was also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Karen moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the early 1960’s following her marriage to Don Horne. She taught fifth grade at Bryan Elementary School for a number of years, before deciding to take time off to raise her three children. Karen loved teaching and had a fondness for, and kept in touch with, many of her former students.

After her children started school, Karen embarked upon a second career in insurance. She initially worked with State Farm Insurance before forming her own, independent life and health insurance brokerage, Jacobsen Insurance. She worked very hard to develop a successful business and cared deeply for her clients. She remained actively involved with her business until the time of her passing.

Karen was a very loving, kind and caring person. She was also very generous, particularly with her time. Karen had a number of friends who had known her since kindergarten all the way through college, and she kept in touch with many of them throughout her entire life. She was also a wonderful mother.

Karen had a zest for life and new adventures, and always enjoyed a good time. Whether it was the summer theater, Art on the Green, a style show, parade, car show or the hydroplane races, you could always find Karen in the middle of the action. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Monte, and the two of them traveled extensively. She and Monte also entertained frequently in their home.

Karen was very involved in the community and had many dear friends. She was an active member of the PEO Chapter CL as well as the Association of University Women’s Gourmet Group for many years. She was also a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group.

Karen had many, varied interests. She absolutely loved ballroom dancing, and became an excellent dancer. She enjoyed big band and swing music in particular. One of Karen's favorite activities was boating on Lake Coeur d'Alene. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing the piano and was an avid reader.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Eva. She leaves behind her husband of almost 12 years, Monte Gould; three wonderful and caring children: Jeff Horne, of Irvine, Calif., Greg Horne, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Jeni Netzlof, of Portland, Ore., two grandsons: Kurt and Luke Netzlof; and three step-children: Yvonne, Wendy and Robert, and their respective families.

Karen’s love of life, offbeat sense of humor, warm smile and caring for others will be missed by the many people who loved and respected her. 

A gathering to celebrate Karen’s life will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at the historic Blackwell Hotel in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.