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Carol Lebens

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 14, 2015 @ 9:09 am In 2015,Obituaries | 15 Comments

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Carol Ann (Knoben) Lebens, of Jordan, passed away on May 13, 2015 at the age of 66. Visitation is Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Shakopee. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta and Deacon Jim Pufahl will preside. Carol’s children will act as urn bearers, and Carol will be laid to rest with her husband at Valley Cemetery in Shakopee. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Carol’s family in her honor.

It was a beautiful summer day in Marshall, MN on July 16, 1948 when John and Minnie (Arends) Knoben celebrated the birth of their daughter, Carol Ann. The Knoben family moved to Belle Plaine when Carol was just a girl where she loved growing up with her sisters, Norma and Linda. As a teenager Carol was always involved in the school choir. When she wasn’t singing, she had her nose in a book, was doing a word-find or was shopping with friends.

In 1966 Carol graduated from Belle Plaine High School. She then attended Minnesota School of Business. It was during this same time that Carol’s cousin Marian introduced her to a handsome young man from Shakopee named Arnie Lebens. Carol and Arnie hit it off instantly. They began attending wedding dances and polka marathons together. After a year-long courtship, they exchanged wedding vows on November 18, 1967. They were soon blessed with three wonderful children, Paulette, John and Jeff.

Arnie and Carol settled in Jordan to raise their family. Together they enjoyed taking family camping trips to the Black Hills and to local lakes. The kids and Arnie would fish and swim during the day, but Carol always stayed on dry land. She often told the kids that if she went in the water she’d sink like a rock.

Throughout the years Carol had a number of jobs, but once the kids were a little older she began working full time in the warehouse for Kmart Distribution. She was known as a hard worker and a dedicated employee. After 28 years with Kmart Carol retired. But she still worked part-time at Holiday Gas Station in Jordan.

In her spare time Carol enjoyed crocheting, collecting beautiful hats and traveling. Some of her favorite trips were to Florida, Oregon, Texas and Arizona. Carol was also an excellent cook. Her most famous recipe was Tilly’s Chili which was passed down from her grandmother, but she was also known for her turkey dressing, tuna salad and potato salad. She was always quick to share her delicious food with others, especially down at Raceway Park when she was cheering for John during his car races. Carol was very involved in the racing scene, and she even worked summers at the track until they closed.

Carol loved being with her family and around people. She never missed a party, and often times she was the one planning it. Carol was a member of her class reunion committee and instrumental in planning the Knobens family reunions. She was very active in the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and belonged to the VFW. Carol also volunteered at the St. John’s Fall Festival each year.

Not only did Carol love being around people, but she also had a special place in her heart for animals. She even brought a stray dog home from Texas with her one year. Some of her favorite pets throughout the years were, Peaches, Body, Trixie and Oliver.

In February Carol was diagnosed with cancer. She fought a strong battle for three and a half months. Carol died peacefully at St. Gertrude’s with her family by her side. Her family takes comfort in the fact that she went out on her own terms.

Carol will be remembered always by her children, Paulette (Ryan) Wiemer, John (Karen) Lebens and Jeff (Tammy) Lebens; grandchildren, Derek Wiemer, Justin Wiemer, Ashley (Michael) Secord, Samantha (Terry) Hawes, Jacob Lebens, Drew Lebens, Makenzie Lebens, great-grandchildren, Elias, Lillian, Adriana and Caleb; sisters, Norma Ullstrom and Linda Melchior; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Kathy) Lebens; sister-in-law, Donna Wenisch. There to greet Carol in Heaven is her husband, Arnie; parents, John and Minnie; infant brother; brother-in-law, Mark Melchior.

The Lebens family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.

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Condolences for the family of “Carol Lebens”

Condolence from jane schuette on May 14th, 2015 12:40 pm

Sending sympathy and hugs to Carol’s family. May you be comforted by God’s strong arms and your faith that you will be together again.

Condolence from Cathi Nelson on May 14th, 2015 12:54 pm

I am so glad I got to know you Carol, I will miss our conversations about racing and our games of solitaire on facebook. Prayers and Hugs to the family as a new Angel is in heaven watching over us all.

Condolence from Diane Swendra on May 14th, 2015 1:22 pm

Please accept my condolences, I knew Carol through John, ad he is maaried to my neice. Hang on to and chetish all the memories, they are precious . My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Condolence from Judy Rein on May 14th, 2015 3:42 pm

On behalf of the Shakopee KC Ladies Auxiliary, we express our deepest sympathy upon the passing of our sister Carol. Eternal rest grant onto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen. Carol was an active member of our Auxiliary. She was our Auxiliary president for 2 years, chaired many steak fries and fish fries and coordinated the Coke wagon at the Shakopee Cub store. Her presence will be missed by all. Our prayers and sympathy her family and friends.

Condolence from Donna Welsand on May 14th, 2015 4:36 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with all of my family. Carol rest in peace

Condolence from Doris Stier Schweigert on May 14th, 2015 6:20 pm

Sending sympathy to Carol’s family! Sending prayers to comfort everyone!

Condolence from Dick and Jeanette Stoks on May 15th, 2015 8:37 am

Are condolences go out to Carols Family. She was a good friend and a loving cousin.
We will miss her. She was a very good person. May you rest in the arms of the Lord.

Condolence from Larry and Bev Fahey on May 15th, 2015 7:42 pm

I loved to visit with Carol when she came into Sparetime when I was working. She always had tales to tell of her latest adventures. Her outgoing manner and kind spirit made her fun to be around. Our sympathy to her family and God’s blessings to you all.

Condolence from Patricia Knoben on May 15th, 2015 7:42 pm

Prayers and sympathy to all of Carol’ s family and friends. She will be missed. Now she can rest in peace.

Condolence from Mike & Norma Radiske on May 16th, 2015 9:52 am

We are so very sorry to hear of Carol’s passing & pray for her families peace & comfort. We knew Carol from RWP and didn’t know her well but
I have thought of her often since the park’s closing. While chatting before the gates opened one night, she was sharing some stories with me and had me laughing so hard, tears were rolling down my face. I had’t laughed so hard in years! Thanks for the memory Carol, & rest easy now.

Condolence from Darlene Menke on May 16th, 2015 9:35 pm

My sympathy goes out to Carol’s family. You can be proud to call her your Mother, she was so dedicated to everything she did and always so willing to help. Got to know her best as a member and officer of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. God’s Blessings to all of you as you cherish her memories.

Condolence from Cleo on May 19th, 2015 12:58 pm

My prayers to the family at this time. I am sure she is keeping an eye on you all through the stars in heaven.. As she and Arnie dance up a storm up in heaven.

Condolence from Karrye on May 21st, 2015 5:41 pm

She will be so missed.
It is so hard for all who are left behind.
But the thought of her up in heaven with the Lord is so amazing. pain-free smiling, happy.
I pray God is there for all the family and friends and help them through this.

Condolence from Rita Steinhoff on May 21st, 2015 11:51 pm

Prayers and thoughts go out to the family. May you cherish all the memories. She will be missed.

Condolence from Mary Deutsch on May 23rd, 2015 8:17 am

So sorry to hear about your mothers passing sending our deepest sympathy to your family. Thinking of you at this time. The Deutsch Family

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