Raymond F. Jabs, age 98 of Jordan, passed away November 26, 2016 at his home. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 104 First St. West, Jordan. Christian Funeral will be Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Sixth St. West, Jordan. Burial with military honors to follow at Spirit Hill Cemetery. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside.
Raymond Frederick Carl Jabs was born December 31, 1917 to Carl and Loiuse (Buckentine) Jabs, the second oldest of eight children. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church by Pastor Frey in February, 1918. On May 17, 1931, Ray was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church by Pastor Brandes. As a child, Ray received his education in a one-room country school. By trade, he was a farm laborer and butter maker at the Jordan Creamery. While working at the Creamery, Ray met Arlene Hensel. They were married on November 21, 1949 by Pastor Brandes. This union was blessed with five children.
On November 6, 1941, Ray Volunteered for the military. He served in the Southwest Pacific and various places in the United States and Canada. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defense Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, and the APTIO ribbon with two bronze battle stars. On October 9, 1945, he received his honorable discharge. On January 1, 1946, he took over the home farm south of Jordan where he farmed until 1979. In 2000, Ray and Arlene moved to a townhome in Jordan. In 2014, they moved into Oak Terrace Senior Living.
Ray was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. He served as an usher for many years and on the church council for six years as a secretary and as chair. When Jordan celebrated its centennial, Ray wrote the history of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He also served as a director of the Jordan Creamery and Minnesota Valley Electric Co-Operative. Ray was also a supervisor of Sand Creek Township. He served on the Minnesota Rural Electric Education Committee and as a director of Suburban Electric Power Association. Ray was a charter member of the Jordan Veterans Honor Guard, a member of the American Legion, and the Jordan Commercial Club. In April of 2013, Ray was privileged to join the Minnesota Honor Flight to Washington, DC to visit the WWII memorial and other monuments throughout the city. Ray enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing cards. He had the privilege of holding a perfect cribbage hand.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and Loren, and sisters, Louise and Doris.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arlene; daughter, Linda (Glen) Stenlund; son, Russell Jabs; daughter, Arlee (Steve) Enger; daughter, Connie Johnson; daughter, Lori (Kelly) Larsen; seven grandchildren; twelve greatgrandchildren; sisters, Lyla (Emil) Karnitz, Wilmay (Eldrid) Karnitz, and Lorraine Uecker.
