Don Jass

Don Jass, of Prior Lake / Savage, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 4, 2024 at age 90.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 20. 2024 at 1:00 PM with visitation one-hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside, and Don’s grandsons will act as urn bearers. Don will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens in Burnsville. Memorials can be in Don’s honor made to the National Eagle Center at the following link: Donate | National Eagle Center

On November 22, 1933, Donald Dean Jass was born to parents Art & Charlotte (Hartzel) Jass. Don was the eldest of 6 children, and loved growing up in Garner, Iowa with his siblings Duane, Karen, Chuck, Karla, Valerie. As a boy, Don worked on his uncle’s pig farm and was paid with a jar of pickles! Don was always athletic and played football and baseball. Don was also a wonderful roller-skater.

It was at a local roller-skating rink that Don met the love of his life, Jackie Bilbrey. For Don, it was love at first sight. But soon after meeting Jackie, Don enlisted in the Armed Forces and moved away. Don proudly served his country for four years in the United States Army. He taught missel training and was very proud of his service. He was honorably discharged in April of 1956.

Don & Jackie reconnected immediately and were married in Jackie’s hometown of Britt, Iowa on August 5, 1956. Their marriage was blessed with many happy years and three wonderful children, Terri, Tim & Jennifer. Following their marriage, Don attended Iowa State University where he earned a degree in business. Don’s work brought his family all over the country. They lived in Missouri, Washington and Illinois while Don worked for Boeing and McDonald Douglas. Eventually the Jass family ended up in Prior Lake, Minnesota when Don got a job working as a computer programmer for Sperry Unisys.

Don worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He could fix almost anything with a prayer and a roll of duct tape. And even though a few of his “repairs” landed him in the ER, he was always willing to tackle any project. Don loved the outdoors and passed this on to his children. They went on many family camping trips and enjoyed spending time on the lake. Don was an amazing father. He supported his children fully and made it to all their events. 

He also exposed them to lots and lots of football. Don loved football at every level. He attended high school, college and professional games. He especially loved cheering on his beloved Vikings! Some of his fondest memories were attending games at the Metrodome with his son Tim. Don also had a passion for bald eagles. He visited the National Eagle Center in Wabasha frequently. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating and working. Following his “retirement” from Sperry, Don spent many years working at Dakotah Sport & Fitness and Hyvee where he made many dear friends.

Don had many interests, but the most important thing in his life was his family. He was a devoted husband to Jackie and loved her dearly. He was a great dad and as his kids grew, he became a best friend to them. In later years, Don became a grandpa, and this was the most meaningful thing to him. He was an amazing, fantastic and wonderful grandpa. He was so supportive of his entire family. Don encouraged each of them and was always by their side, cheering them on. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and the beautiful life he and Jackie created together. 

Don always had a smile on his face, and no one was a stranger to him. He made friends easily and loved his family deeply. He was an honorable man and will be missed by many. Don is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Jass; children, Terri Krentz, Tim (Denise) Jass, Jennifer (Scott) Bremer; grandkids, Nick (Becky) Severson, Michelle (Casey) Palmer, Jeremy (Leanna) Jass, Madison Bremer, Michael Bremer; great-grandson, Jayden Jass; siblings, Duane Jass, Chuck (Cheryl McDougall) Jass, Karla (Stan) Carson, Valerie Jass. Don was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Arthur & Charlotte Jass; sister, Karen Kofron; sister-in-law, Nancy Jass.