1928 – Jacob John Stoel – 2018
Jacob John Stoel was born on September 28, 1928 to Balt and Jennie (Van Roekel) Stoel in Fenton Township in Murray County. He was baptized on November 4, 1928. He graduated the eighth grade from Country School District 33. He made profession of faith in the Reformed Church. Jake farmed with his parents until he married Florence Kooiman on September 26, 1950 at the First Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota. Jake was inducted into the Army in February, 1951 serving his country at Fort Eustis near Newport News, Virginia for two years. His wife and small son were able to join him there the last 14 months. After an honorable discharge they returned home and started farming on his parents’ farm near Lake Wilson, Minnesota. In August, 1990 Jake and Florence retired and moved to Chandler, Minnesota. He was a member of the Chandler Reformed Church where he served as deacon and elder, taught Sunday School, Catechism, Vacation Bible School at various times. Jake served his community on the Lions Club, school board, township board, as county commissioner and was chairman of the Chandler Funeral Association for over 30 years. He also served as commander of the Chandler American Legion. In his desire to be near Florence after her stroke, Jake settled into the Edgebrook Assisted Living, and just recently became a resident of Edgebrook. He died at the Pipestone County Medical Center on June 30, 2018 at the age of 89.
Jake is survived by his wife Florence; children: Joanne and Travis Klaassen, Sibley, IA, Bert Stoel, Leota, MN, Gene and Kathy Stoel, Lake Wilson, MN, Judy and Mark Bartosh, Dundee, MN, Ed and Joyce Stoel, Edgerton, MN, Diane and Dan Hamersma, Pipestone, MN. Twenty-two grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Clarence and Jane Stoel, Waukesha, WI, Arnold and Lorraine Stoel, Luverne, MN, Gerald and Jill Stoel, Plano, TX, Bernard and Mary Stoel, Jasper, MN; two sisters: Genevee and Ray Sportel, Lake Benton, MN, Kathryn and Gerald Bruxvoort, Worthington, MN and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are Jake’s parents; son Jacob A. Stoel; two infant granddaughters; one infant great-granddaughter and brother John Stoel.
A Memorial Service was held at the Chandler Reformed Church in Chandler on Saturday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m. Committal Service was held at the Chandler Memorial Cemetery prior to the service.
