Arlene Ruth (Hensel) Jabs

Arlene Ruth (Hensel) Jabs, passed away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 98 years, 11 months, and 14 days, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in Jordan. A Christian Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM with a Time of Gathering from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 6th St W, Jordan, MN 55352. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside. Arlene will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan.

Arlene Ruth Hensel Jabs was born October 26, 1925 to Alfred and Olga (Jaeger) Hensel, the youngest of 5 children. Her growing up years offered many good friends. She often babysat for neighborhood youngsters, set hair for some of the neighborhood women on Saturdays, and did chores around the house like mowing and weeding, and running errands for groceries and mail. She graduated from Jordan High School in 1943 where she had been active in the Glee Club singing solos, and earned the nickname of Hammer Head because she played the bass drum in the school band and marching band. After graduation, she worked at the Jordan Co-op Creamery where she met her future husband, Ray Jabs. They married in November, 1949. After marriage, they moved to the country where she became an 'egg picker upper' and milker washer. The marriage was blessed with 5 children, 4 girls and a boy. The home was filled with love, laughter and a new use for the fly swatter and wooden spoon. 

Arlene was an active member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Ladies Aid for many years, and also sang in the church choir. In addition, she volunteered to make calls for local Red Cross Blood Drives, belonged to the local Homemakers Club, and she and Ray delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. With her love of music, she agreed to write new lyrics to the tune of Sentimental Journey and did a singing commercial for the Jordan Creamery on local radio. (Why Don't You Eat a Little Butter). Arlene liked to sew, making clothes for the kids during their growing up years, and later doing alterations and repairs for friends and neighbors for 'pin money'. She also did volunteer sewing for the Belle Plaine home, making adult bibs and cloth caddies for the residents' walkers. She had quite a fabric stash accumulated over time. 

She is survived by her children, Linda (Glen) Stenlund, R. Russell Jabs, Arlee (Steven) Enger, Connie Johnson, and Lori (Kelly) Larsen; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and other loving family and friends. 

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Raymond F. Jabs; parents, Alfred and Olga Hensel; brothers, Del and Russell; and sisters, Delores and Lola.