Obituary of Erling Jens Kaae

What can be said in such a small space about a man that took up such a large part of life? Erling Jens Kaae; Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. On December 8, 2021, Erling went on to meet up with his beloved wife Jessie, who had been patiently waiting for him since she preceded him March 9, 2008. She most likely had her famous sweet tea and pineapple upside down cake waiting, and he just couldn’t resist. 

Erling was born February 7, 1931 in Plentywood Montana, to Jens Peter Nelson Kaae and Katrine (née Sundsted), and raised on a farm near Dagmar, MT. He met and fell in love with Jessie, and they were married on May 10, 1953 in Pampa Texas, where they lived until they moved to Battle Mountain, Nev. in 1963. In 1976 they moved the family to Eagle, Idaho, where Erling and Jessie owned and operated Shady Acres for 23 years.

He has been preceded by his wife Jessie, his parents, siblings Knud, Kenneth, Glenn, Velmar, and Irene Eta; in-laws Bertie and Shorty Fuller, and grandsons Bartley and Matthew. Here to tell his stories are his dear children and their spouses: Gary and Cathy Kaae, Susan and Bob Love, Kevin and Carol Kaae, and Deana and Andrew Varner. He was beyond proud of his grandchildren Hillary, Chad, Jeff, Dominique, Kristopher, Lee, Keily, Davis, Krystal, Robb, Blake, Katie, Robert, Arwen, Willow, and Travis. And he adored his great-grandchildren Nolan, Pearl, Opal, LunaBella, Conner, Nathaniel, Charlotte, Aden, Henry, Sully, Klaycee, Byron, Kathleen, Emery, Desmond, Elowyn, and Henry. 

Anyone who crossed his path in life became a friend, and his treasured family takes pieces of his wisdom and wit to give to the generations that follow. We will miss the boisterous laugh that came straight from his belly and shook his shoulders, and his sly grin when telling his favorite jokes. But Erling imparted to us his remarkable work ethic, fierce devotion to family, immeasurable kindness,  wicked sense of humor, quiet forgiveness, and a deep understanding of the incredible joy of life. 

We would love to know how our incredible Erling touched your life. Please feel welcome to share your favorite memories with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Erling's memory to Hope Lutheran Church, Eagle ID.