Grace Jabs, age 79 of Jordan, passed away unexpectedly with her husband at her side on May 31, 2017. A visitation will be Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan. A funeral will be Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior all at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Ave., Prior Lake. Pastor Brent Parrish will preside. Grace’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
On July 24, 1937 at St. Francis Medical Center in Shakopee, MN, parents Leonard and Evelyn (Dobes) Minge celebrated the birth of their daughter, Grace Alice Minge. She was one of six children. In her youth, Grace attended Doulieville country school until she attended Jordan from 7th to 8th grade. Her family settled in Delano where Grace completed her high school degree in 1954.
Following her high school graduation, Grace began working at Farmers and Investors Diversified Services in the twin cities. She held various jobs over the years—at the Anchor Inn for 12 years, Rosemont Engineering, and as a caretaker at Valley View.
Throughout her life, Grace was acquainted with fellow student Elmer Jabs. When Elmer entered the Army, they wrote letters back and forth for two years until he returned to the United States. On February 11, 1956, Elmer and Grace exchanged wedding vows in Delano, MN. They were blessed with 61 years of marriage and six children. As a family, they worked tirelessly on their dairy farm for 44 years. When they children were young, Grace encouraged them to participate in 4-H showing dairy and livestock.
Grace’s family was the most important thing in her life. Spending time together was time well spent. Holidays, especially Christmas, were a time of celebration at the Jabs home. Grace dedicated herself to hosting her family and friends by cooking, baking, and decorating the house. For the grandchildren, Grace kept holiday traditions alive–giving Easter baskets, hiding Easter eggs, baking pies for Christmas.
Grace was crowned the “Garage Sale Queen” by her family. Whether she was hosting a garage sale or going to one, a good time was to be had. For her children, it meant skipping a day of school to go with her for the garage sales in Edina. When she hosted her own garage sales, they would always feature her 3-day sun pickles for sale.
Because of her fun-loving attitude, Grace was selected for the Price is Right not just once, but twice. In 1992, Grace made her fist TV appearance by running on stage and lifting Bob Barker into the air. Her prizes, a TV and dining room set, are still on display in her home. In 2015, Grace made her second appearance on the Price is Right, this time meeting Drew Carey. Her other claim-to fame is having won numerous loon calling contests while traveling up north.
Grace always found enjoyment in life. She was never afraid to have a little fun—especially if it meant pulling a prank on her family. Grace loved playing cards, listening to polka, taking road trips with Elmer, and attending Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake where she was a member for 61 years.
Grace’s generous, kind spirit will live on in her husband of 61 years, Elmer Jabs; children, Alan (Marie) Jabs, Yvonne Jabs, Barb (RJ) Ahrens, Leon (Linh) Jabs, Char (Mel Webb) Jabs; grandchildren, Chris (Angela), Cassie (Jerry), Brandon, Brianna (Jeff), Miquette (Anthony), Bobbi (Ryan), Jon (Kat), Ryan, Amber, Rebecca, Rachel, Alex, Devin, Zach, Holly (Jake), Tara (Tyler), Nick, Kelsy, Angela, James; 7 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; siblings, Darlene (Erv) Wachman, Beatrice (Roger) Fredrich, Sonja (Louie) Gunkel; brother-in-law, Billy Lenz; sister-in-law, Brenda Minge; other loving relatives and friends.
Grace is greeted in heaven by her son, Marlan Jabs; brother, Charles Minge; sister, Carol Lenz; parents, Leonard and Evelyn Minge.
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Glynn A. Crooks
To : The Family of Grace Jabs,
I am so saddened to hear of her passing. I wish to express to all her family member’s especially all of her immediate family member’s , my deepest sympathy. She was such a wonderful person and I am honored to have known her. She was a dear friend. I know she will be missed by all those who knew her. Things Grace left undone must stay that way. Grace Jabs now belongs to the ages but we liked it better when she belonged to us. She now lives on only in our Memory. She is home she is free. Seeing Grace pass away like she did, doesn’t make it any easier for us to let her go, but let her go we must. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you as you mourn the passing of your beloved Grace.
With Sympathy,
GLYNN A. CROOKS
Member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Yvonne Jabs
We greatly appreciate your comments and thoughts on our mom and wife. It is a comfort to hear such thoughts from people who knew here. Dad said mom was always looking for items to share /show/sell to you. We know she enjoyed having you as a friend.
nancy newborg
elmer we will all miss grace so much all our thoughts and prayers gary and nancy
Tony and Elaine Gruntner
So sorry for your loss. She was a gracious lady with a kind and giving heart. Will miss her smile and quick laugh.
Love to you all. Tony and Elaine Gruntner.
Bill and Aggie Chard
Your have our deepest sympathy Yovonne,
Bill and Aggie Chard
Pam & Gary Anderson
Brianna Jabs-Loeffelbein and Family…our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of trial and loss. Keep focused on the wonderful memories and cherish this time with your family! Wishing you save travel mercies and the most sincere condolences on the loss of your cherished Grandmother!
Heartfelt Sympathies…your Boss and Friend!
Brainerd UPS Store
Pam & Gary Anderson
Kelsey Fleming
Yvonne,
So sorry for your loss! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelsey Fleming
Rhonda (Kaiser) Zweber
I’m sorry to hear of Gracie’s passing and doubly sorry that I was out of town for her services. Gracie’s never ending smile will always be my memory of her. Prayers and Blessings to the entire Jabs family.
Bruce R
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all family and friends. May all families look forward to a time in the near future when death will be no more and all sickness will be done away with. Isaiah 25:8 and 33:24.
Terry Koch-Menge
We extend our sympathy and prayers to Elmer and his family in the loss of Grace on May 31. Grace and her family are a part of many lasting memories of a loving life growing up! When reminiscing, I think of her happy heart, sparkling eyes and how she wanted others to catch that joy!
Summer reunions at your home with the Koch family included barnyard fun, kittens, milking cows and life lessons. Our visits reinforced the ethics of hard work and service to others. It expanded my appreciation for God’s beautiful creation! Grace’s “matter of fact” perspective swiftly distracted me from the care of bee stings and scrapes more than once! Her great love for food traditions and home cooking is a shared legacy for Marlene. This has continued as a link between generations.
We write with sadness as you miss Grace’s presence and with joy as you celebrate her homegoing.
Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
Love, Bill, Terry (Koch), Russell and Abigail Menge
Betty McAndrews
Jabs Family,
So sorry to see the obituary for Grace. She was a gem. Her support and enthusiasm for each of you was evident in her volunteer efforts in 4-H. Prayers and sympathy to Elmer and the entire family.
Betty McAndrews