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 7 th to 8 th 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.
