Albert Jobes Sr., 77
Albert J. “Bert” Jobes Sr., 77, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bert was born on September 19, 1934, in Garrison, PA, a son of Lloyd and Martha (Stewart) Jobes Sr. His family then moved to Reed City, MI, where he attended high school. He joined the U.S. Army in 1953 (serving until 1976) and served during the Vietnam War. Bert married Sonja van Doornik on December 22, 1958, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage in 2010. During his Army enlistment he was a recipient of a Purple Heart and four Bronze Star Medals. He served as platoon sergeant with the 2nd Platoon, Co. B, 4th Battalion 64th Armor, and was stationed in Aschaffenberg, Germany. While stationed in Germany, on the weekends he enjoyed dirt track racing in Babenhausen, Germany, taking home many trophies and memories along the way. Bert retired from the Army in 1977, after serving for 24 years. He then worked for the City of Bloomington for the next 18 years as an auto mechanic. He bowled with his fellow “Grease Monkey” co-workers and continued to bowl with his team after his retirement up until last year. In his retirement, he was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. He also enjoyed playing golf with friends. Bert was a member of the Bloomington VFW Post.
He is survived by his wife; children Albert (Julie) Jobes Jr., Zumbrota, Robin Jobes, New Prague, and Denise Lance, New Prague; five grandchildren Rob, Andrew, Annalise, Jamie Beldon and Jenna (Corey) Schutz; two great-grandchildren Cody and Cooper; two sisters Anita Jobes, Quitman, MS, and Paulette (John) Reid, Reed City, MI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Lloyd Arnett Jobes Jr.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m., at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague, with Rev. Kevin Clinton officiating.
Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, with military rites conducted. Pallbearers were Rob Jobes Jr., Bert Jobes Jr., Drew Jobes, Dave Harmon, Billy Bartusek, Mark Crusan, Darold Guentzel, Robin Jobes Sr. and Terry Paulson.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Bruzek Funeral Home.
