HEATHER JACOBSEN

Heather Jo Jacobsen (52) of Hope, ND died April 15th, 2024, in her home. Heather Jo Jess was born on October 4th, 1971, to Randy and Cindy Jess in Valley City, ND. 

Heather grew up by Pillsbury, ND and attended Hope Public School. Heather graduated from Hope High School in 1990. 

After graduation Heather attended and graduated from NDSU. In 1993 Heather married Kelly Mortensen. They made their home in Fargo and then on May 31st, 1996. They welcomed Bailey Jo into their family and moved back to Hope in 1998.  

In 2001 Heather took a job at the FSA office in Finley until 2014 when she started working at Ihry Insurance in Hope. Heather worked as a Customer Service Agent at Ihry Insurance until her death. 

Heather became a mom again when Bo Allen Jacobsen was born on November 27th, 2006. On February 10th, 2007, Heather married Tab Jacobsen in Hope. She welcomed his son Brady into her heart, and they became a family of 5. 

Heather’s favorite thing in her life was her family. Heather and Tab were the hosts for many family holidays and events. She loved being with her kids and watching them grow. When she became grandma to Kallen and then Charlotte, Heather was such a proud grandma. She was anxiously waiting for her new grandbaby to be born. Heather's main purpose in life was to support her family. She loved being a mom and grandma, having coffee with her mom and visiting with friends. She was always thinking of her family providing love, thoughtfulness and doing whatever it took to help them out. 

Heather loved to work in the yard, garden, read books and visit with friends. She was the local historian, knowing the names and lineage of most of Steele County. Her quick wit and sense of humor will be remembered by everyone whose life she touched. She could name a song and artist from the 1970’s on and get it right every time.  

Heather was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hope. She served on the Hope EDC and was involved in many other community events. 

Heather is survived by her husband, Tab Jacobsen, daughter Bailey (Nic) Pfeifer, son Bo Jacobsen, grandchildren Kallen and Charlotte, mom Cindy (Maynard) West, dad Randy (Michelle) Jess, brothers Nathan (Heidi) Jess, Nicholas (Angela) Jess, father-in-law, Leroy Jacobsen, sister-in Law Theresa Mitzel, nieces Taylor Mitzel, Evette and Josette Jess, nephews, Jordan (Brogan) Mitzel, James and Henry Jess, great nephews Treysen and Jace. 

She was preceded in death by stepson Brady Jacobsen, mother-in-law Bertha Jacobsen, stepdad Marty West, brother-in-law Bruce Mitzel, grandparents Leo and Myrtle Willert, Josie and Herman Jess and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A memorial will be held Monday, April 22nd at 5 p.m. at the Hope American Legion followed by fellowship and sharing. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hope Park Board in Heather’s memory.