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In memory of

Del "The Great and Grand One" Jahns

Stewartville, MN, USA

1937 - October 26, 2020

1937 - Oct 26, 2020

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The visitation for family and friends of Lenora Del Jahns, 83, of Stewartville, MN, will be on Saturday November 7, 2020 9:30-11:00 am at Stewartville United Methodist Church. A private funeral service for family will be held immediately after. Face mask are required and COVID safety protocols will be followed. Del died on Monday October 26, 2020 of natural causes.

Del was born on June 29, 1937 in Wheaton, MN to Vernon and Cora (Ritzschke) Billings. Her father was a career US Navy serviceman, who served in WW1 and was re-called to serve during WW II throughout this time the family moved around the country to different naval bases. Following ‘Chiefs’ discharge, she moved with her family to the Billings family farmstead where she learned to cook alongside her Mom, developed her love for gardening and she relished whipping her brothers and cousins in a game of marbles. She attended Stewartville schools, graduating in 1955. Del was married on June 22, 1956 in Stewartville to Roger N. Jahns. Together they raised 6 kids on their family farm in rural Grand Meadow. They were later divorced. Mom was an inspiration for imagination, creativity, kindness, generosity and good faith. Del was involved in her children’s activities as a 4-H Leader, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Den Mother. Del returned to school receiving her dental assistant’s degree from Rochester Community Technical College. She was employed for more than 30 years in local dental offices until her retirement. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Stewartville where she taught Sunday school and helped with the International Luncheon Fundraiser for many years. She served on the National Board of Dental Assistants for 25 years. She was an active member of the Stewartville Morning Lions, serving as a past president, she received the Melvin Jones Award and the Dream Catcher award. She was a pioneer in establishing legacy activities in the communities in which she lived. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and many, many craft hobbies. Del loved time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her laughter, faith, ice cream pails full of Christmas cookies and witty catch phrases.

Del is survived by Debra (Ross) Hjermstad of Elk River, MN; Tom (Sandy); Karen Jahns (Pete Loftus); Paul (Nikki) all of Rochester, MN; Doug (Andi) of Janesville, WI; and Karl (Peggy Newman) of Bettendorf, IA. She was also the Great and Grand One to 11 grandchildren; Sarah, Isaac, Lucas, Cassie, Vanessa, Grant, Lauren, Hannah, Callie, Ethan and Aidan and 9 great–grandchildren; Reagan, Noele, Brooke, Aaron, Luke, Lewin, Liam, Teddy and baby girl due March 2021; many nieces and nephews as well as extended family in the Grant county area. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers -Vernon “Vernie” and Gerald “Jerry” Billings.

A Celebration of Life and burial is planned for June 2021 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Stewartville, MN.

The Jahns Family will use donations to establish The Great and Grand Garden fund to be used for a Peace Garden at Bear Cave Park in Stewartville. The family extends their appreciation for the tender care given to Mom by the GM Healthcare Center, Seasons Hospice and her family care team. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Del are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

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