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.
