Jane (Kerber) Michel, age 93, of Victoria, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her residence.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Victoria Parish Family (8228 Victoria Dr) in Victoria with Father Bob White as Celebrant of the Mass. Visitation Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday, ALL AT THE CHURCH. Interment in the church cemetery.
Jane was born to Math and Regina (Diethelm) Kerber on their family farm in Victoria. She was baptized, received communion, and was confirmed at St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria. She graduated from St. Victoria Catholic School. After graduation, Jane worked at the Notermann’s Store in Victoria. On November 23, 1957, Jane married Gerald (Jerry) Michel from rural Belle Plaine at St. Victoria.
Jane and Jerry ran the family farm for four years near Union Hill and were blessed with their first two children. They moved to Victoria where they built a home on Jane’s family farm. While in Victoria, they were blessed with two more children. Jane loved being a mom. She was an active volunteer at St. Victoria Church and served others in her community all her life. She worked at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Tearoom for 25 years. She cared for her mother who lived next door, later passing away in her 100th year. Jane danced to polkas and waltzes with Jerry gracefully gliding her across the local dance floors and dance halls of the area. She smiled as he led her across the floor and into the hearts of the many friends they met through their mutual love of dancing, music, people and the Blue Skirt Waltz. Jane loved each of her ten grandchildren, celebrating each of their accomplishments. Her gentle and playful spirit was visible when she held, played, talked, and hugged her 12 great-grandchildren. Family, friend, or stranger, Jane gave all her attention and truly listened.
Jane loved her vegetable garden and her flowers, especially the pansies and wildflowers that surrounded her home. She treated her plants as she did people with love and commitment. Dogs were always a big part of Jane’s life and she loved her canine family member Dutchess and all dogs that came eagerly to visit Jane. She bonded with dogs and treated them as she did the people she met quickly and fully connected by her gentle, warm ways.
She loved spending time with others and was blessed with many friends, old and new. Jane’s warm brown eyes and infectious smile warmed all those she met. She was fast to make friends and eager to ask others about their day and know their life story. Her gentle nature made her a favorite around the community, with family, friends, and all who met her.
Jane passed away at home, on her family’s farmstead in Victoria. She lived out her Christian life daily that will serve as an example to others and her memory will live on through her family and all the people she met.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents Math and Regina Kerber; infant brother Roman Kerber; brother Don (Evelyn) Kerber; sister Marlene (Bill) Kaufhold; mother-in-law and father-in-law Cecelia and John Michel.
Jane is survived by her loving family: husband Gerald; children Jim Michel of Carver, Joe Michel of Victoria, Julie (Jerry) Widmer of New Prague, John (Angie) Michel of Carver; grandchildren Courtney (Shaun) Handlin, Dustin Michel, Nicole (Danny) Kahmann, Jesse (Hanna) Michel, Peter (Miranda) Widmer, Rochelle Widmer, Mitchel (Emily) Widmer, Nolan Widmer, Jacob Michel, Tanner Michel; great-grandchildren Temple, Idee Jane, and Tell Handlin, Chloe Michel, Ethan DesMarais, Georgia, Olive, Beckham and Camille Michel, Clint Widmer, Jack and Roy Widmer; sister Rita (Joe) Doussard of Denver, CO; sisters-in-law Rose Michel of Jordan, Jeannie Hayden of Belle Plaine; special friends Darlene Kelzer, Betty Robling, Jen and Hallie Boorsma; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com