Jacqueline Dee Classen

Jacqueline Dee (Van Patten) Classen, 86, passed in the early hours of August 31st, 2023, from health complications. A Celebration of Life will take place in the Cana Chapel in the Cathedral of the Rockies at 3:00 pm on October 19th. Use the 717 N 11th Street entrance. After the service, there will be a gathering at the Arid Club along with some life pictures.

Jacquie was born in Beaver City, Nebraska on September 4th, 1936; the only child of Wilda J. (Roeder) and Keith Van Patten. They moved to Hailey, Idaho when she was just two years old, and she considered Idaho her home ever since.

Jacquie graduated from Boise High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1958 from the Colorado University School of Nursing. On May 18th, 1959, she was married to Jim Classen in the First Methodist Church of Boise by Rev. Dr. Herbert E. Richards.

Jim and Jacquie raised three wonderful children. In the early years of their marriage, they lived throughout the South, moving frequently between Texas and Louisiana while Jim worked in the oil and gas business. In 1976 they moved to Denver where they resided for 22 years when Jim started his independent oil business. In 1998 they moved to Boise where they could be closer to their family cabin in Lowman, ID. They lived in Boise in their house by the river ever since.

Jacquie loved gardening and learning about the local birds and wildflowers. She had many hobbies, including sewing, quilting, playing cards, cooking, and baking. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Assistance League of Boise, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Jacquie was a great storyteller and keeper of family traditions. She had a generous and kind heart and was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed and remain in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her husband Jim of 64 years of marriage, her children Marianne Henderson and husband John Walmsley, Chris Classen and his wife Carrie, and Lisa Classen. In addition, by her grandchildren Jessica, Michael, Rachael, and Wren, and great grandchildren Alexis, Olivia, Bria, and Avery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Jacquie’s name to Assistance League of Boise.