Jacob Arnold Elmer

1939 - 2014

Jacob Arnold Elmer obituary, 1939-2014, Portland, OR

BORN

1939

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Jacob Elmer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 30, 2014.

Jacob Arnold Elmer – April 28, 1939 – April 30, 2014

Jack Elmer was an amazing man! He made a loving impression on every single person he ever met. With a smile and a hug, Jack always seemed to encourage everyone in the room. No one was ever the same after meeting this wonderful man. Jack Elmer loved God and loved people.

Jack was born in Portland, OR to William and Roslie (Luscher) Elmer. At the age of two, he moved with his family to a farm home in Troutdale, OR. He attended Troutdale Elementary School and later Benson High School. During his formative years on the farm, Jack was introduced to baking by his (very Swiss) mother. By age ten he was creating and decorating cakes for friends and family. It would become his life-long passion.

During his high school years, Jack discovered his great love of jazz music by drumming in a band with his brother Bill. Over the years Jack nurtured his passion for music by playing in various groups including the Johnny Reitz Band at the Hoyt Hotel in downtown Portland.

Following high school Jack attended and graduated from the Dunwoody Institute of Baking in Minneapolis, MN. While in Minnesota, he met Lana Sala and later married. Returning to Portland in 1961, Jack opened up his first bake shop, "Elmer's Old Fashioned Bakery," in Gresham, OR. During these early years of baking, Jack also worked for the Bohemian Bakery and later for Safeway.

Jack will always be known as a wonderful family man. His first son, Dennis, was born in 1962. His second, Marcus, came along in 1964. They lived in Northeast Portland from 1963-1976.

In 1967 Jack took his family to Switzerland for three months and attended Konditor school at Richmont in Luzerne. This was a very influential time for Jack, as he reached back into his Swiss roots to prepare himself for his culinary future.

In 1972 Jack opened up Heidi's Swiss Pastries in Boring, OR. This tourist attraction took off quickly and became a featured vacation stop for many families heading up to the Mt. Hood ski slopes. From 1972-1986 Jack established himself as the leading pastry chef in Oregon and Heidi's as one of the top retail bakeries on the west coast. During these years at Heidi's, Jack began his life-long involvement with the Chef de Cuisine Society of Oregon. He gained many achievements through the Chef Society including Chef of the Year.

In 1980 Jack married Ivasue Schnee and became a wonderful father to Debra, Don, Karen and Laura. Jack and Ivasue completed the work at Heidi's in the mid-80's and then together opened up their new bakery endeavor, JaCiva's in southeast Portland on Hawthorne Blvd.

JaCiva's became an instant success in the Portland community with their emphasis on European styled Chocolates, fine decorated cakes, and Swiss pastries. Over the years JaCiva's products have graced the parties and events of individuals, families, restaurants and hotels all around the state. But it's the wonderful community of southeast Portland that has most benefitted from the presence of this world-class establishment.

Ivasue has been the rock-solid support that Jack has depended on throughout the years, whether in family, in business or in health. In 1990 Jack suffered a major AVM brain stem stroke. He came within minutes of losing his life, but thanks to our Amazing God, Jack survived. Ivasue walked by Jack's side through the many years of healing and recovery.

After his recovery from the stroke, Jack went back to work, making JaCiva's a truly wholistic place of love. Customers come into JaCiva's not only for the sweet treats, but just as much for the friendship, love and community.

In 2010 Jack was diagnosed with prostate cancer which he has battled successfully month after month by the grace of God. On April 30, 2014, Jack went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jack's love and commitment to his family, his friends, his employees and his business customers reveal his deep faith in our great and mighty God in heaven.

Thank you, Jack, for making all of our lives so much better through your love, your passion and your deep commitment to the things that really matter.

Jacob is survived by his wife, Ivasue Elmer of Portland, OR; Debra (Kim) Dunlap of Gresham, OR; Donald Schnee, of Boise, ID; Karen (Mike) Hickey of Boring, OR; Dennis Elmer (Julie Schnorenberg) of Portland, OR; Marcus (Kahori) Elmer of Salem, OR; Laura (Cam) Boscole of Portland, OR; Leroy Palmer of Portland, OR; Buddy Palmer of Portland, OR; brother, William Elmer of Bullhead, AZ; and with great pride 19 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church for the Repair Fund of their historical church building.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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4 Entries

June 2, 2014

Bob Bury

Sorry to hear about Jack. He was always a real gentleman with a quick sense of humor. He will be missed. Sue and I send our prayers and best wishes to Ivasue and the rest of the Jaciva family. Bob Bury and Sue Subbot, Euphoria Chocolate Company

May 28, 2014

It is with great sadness to find that Jack has passed away. I always had so
much fun talking with Jack at the RCI conventions. Jack will be missed.
Tim & Julia

May 2, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God bless each and everyone of you. Your friends Curt and Janice Leggett

May 1, 2014

Paulette Lewis

I will miss you Jack, you are much loved by all. We first met when we were both baptisted at the same time. Since then I have felt we were good buddies. You are home now with our Lord, God Bless You!

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home

20 NE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

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