On the night before Easter of Saturday, April 4, 2015, Lawrence Elmer Jabs passed away suddenly at his Jordan home and now is eternally risen with Jesus.
Lawrence will be honored with a time of gathering on Wednesday, April 8, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard- Sunder Funeral and Cremation 104 West First Street, Jordan and one hour prior to the service at church.
A Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, April 9 at 11 am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 100 Sixth Street West, Jordan. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside. The pall bearers will be his godchildren, Steve Jabs, Mark Jabs, Janet Sanford, Debra Eberts, Terrell Hubbard, Nicole De Boer, Laurie Thomas and Mark Schleski. Interment will be at Spirit Hill Cemetery, Jordan, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in his memory by the family.
On the family farm in Louisville Township, MN, Gustave and Lillian (Klingberg) Jabs proudly announced the birth of their third of six children, Lawrence born on October 29, 1928. From his first breathe, farming always remained a big part of Lawrence’s life. He attended a one room school house, graduating from the eighth grade. Being old enough, Lawrence was needed on the farm, plowing fields with a team of horses, tended to the animals and worked long, hard hours.
This work ethic and experience of farming, prepared Lawrence to be the man of success. On May 18, 1951, he proudly served the in the United States Army, delivering meals and supplies to the troops during the Korean War. Lawrence was honorably discharged on April 27, 1953. For over 17 years, he worked for Hofferman and Stark doing anything needed including plowing snow. Lawrence then moved to the City of Jordan Public Works Department. A hands on man, he worked his way up to Street Superintendent, until age of 65. At the same time, the city made it possible for Lawrence to drive afternoon school bus for Stang Bus Service. For over 20 years, he relished driving the students to their sporting events, especially the girls’ softball team, until retiring at the age of 70. Still having the drive of success, Lawrence worked Thursday’s at the Ediger’s Belle Plaine Auction, moving cattle to be sold and buying up all the fruit.
Lawrence’s success of a man was enriched with meeting the love of his life, Dianne Marie Hall at a dance at Schlief’s Little City in South St. Paul, MN. On August 26, 1967 at Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis, they declared their love for each other. Lawrence and Dianne welcomed Donna and Lowell to the family. Their heart was delighted with the birth of Christine and broken when she passed a few months later. As a family they enjoyed vacations sightseeing one year and fishing the next. Lawrence continued to enjoy his hobby farm, raising beef, pigs and chickens, with his family at his side. He could be found cheering on Donna and Lowell at all of their sporting events. His true success of a man came to light when he became grandpa to six grandchildren. Lawrence treasured transporting them to preschool and stopping for special treats. He enjoyed playing Skip-Bo and seeing their faces light up showing him pictures.
An avid outdoorsman, Lawrence enjoyed fishing and hunting deer and turkeys with his son and son-in-law. An intense reader, he loved reading anything from cover to cover. A man of great faith, Lawrence supported St. Paul’s Lutheran Church as an usher and a leader for the Lutheran Pioneers. For nearly 20 years, he was an active member of the Scott County Agricultural Society and Fair Board. Lawrence also volunteered at the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.
The last 13 years, Lawrence carried a cross just like Jesus did when it came to his health. He endured 2 major strokes, 6 knee surgeries and heart issues. But through it all, he never lost hope and kept on smiling. Lawrence was loyal, caring and loving, who was always honest and there supporting you.
Left to honor Lawrence’s life and mourn his death is beloved wife of 47 years, Dianne; daughter, Donna (Andy) Breeggemann; son, Lowell (Nicole) Jabs; grandchildren, Danielle Breeggemann, Mikaela Breeggemann, Karly Breeggemann, Elizabeth Jabs, Lane Jabs, Samantha Jabs; sisters, Dolores (Dennis) Griffith, Cordelia (Lester) Milbrand; sister-in-law, Betty Jabs; other relatives and friends. Lawrence was welcomed home in heaven by infant daughter, Christine; parents, Gustave and Lillian; brothers, Clarence (Darlene) Jabs, Henry Jabs; and infant sister, Evelyn Jabs.
