Donald and Janice KOEBELE

Don Koebele passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023. Don had a very short wait to be re-united with his wife of 66 years. On December 18, 2023, Jan, the love of his life, joined him in heaven. At the times of their deaths, both Don and Jan were surrounded by their loving family members, and incredible caregivers. Don was born on August 5, 1933, in Pocahontas, Iowa. Jan was born on October 5, 1938, in Storm Lake, Iowa. Don served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Following his service, he moved to Storm Lake, Iowa to attend Buena Vista College. While in college, Don met Jan by chance at the Cobblestone Inn and Ballroom. They began a courtship that turned into a marriage, and a lifelong journey of Catholic faith and fellowship. Don and Jan settled in Mahtomedi, Minnesota where they raised three boys. Don was a serial entrepreneur, teacher, gentleman farmer, fund raiser, mentor, wedding and funeral crasher, and lover of all that life had to offer. Don had an infectious belly laugh that would brighten any room he entered. Jan dedicated her life to her family, church, and charitable causes. After raising her children, Jan worked and volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations including Catholic Charities and PATH foster care agency. Jan taught catechism, mentored unwed mothers, served at countless funerals, and routinely brought communion to those that were hospitalized or sheltered. Jan was an accomplished cook, and loved to entertain at her home. Together, Jan and Don were doting parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. For over five decades Don and Jan were extremely active members of St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. In 1984, Don spearheadedthe church's annual fall fundraising festival the St. Jude's Cornfest. Don and Jan served tirelessly for their church, and Don was affectionately known by fellow parishioners as the Corn King. Don and Jan are survived by three sons, Todd (Mona), Jon (Cindy) and Tony (Courtney); eight grandchildren, Tia, Paige Silber (Zack), Ky, Maggie, Rachel Weisbrod (Brian), Ak, Charlie and Izzy; and great grandchild, Calvin Silber. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Bob Koebele, and is survived by his brother Paul Koebele and sister Kathryn Franz. Jan was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sister Anita Sauer, and brothers Alfred Naughton, Edward Naughton and Randy Naughton. Both Don and Jan are survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews that they loved dearly. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Tuesday, January 2, 2023, at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi, Ave., Mahtomedi, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 10am. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church. 651-631-2727