William G. Jafvert

William Gary Jafvert was born December 6, 1942. On April 7, 2025, he passed away with his family by his side. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Paula Jafvert and his sister Maxine Anton. He is survived in death by his wife of 55 years, Karen, his sons Benjamin (Amber Stickney) and Brian, and sister Francine (Rod) Olson. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jacob, Will, Olivia and Cecilia Stickney-Jafvert. Bill grew up in Worthington, Minnesota where he participated and excelled at high school sports. At age 17, Bill signed with Army Reserves and was as an army medic. In the fall of 1961, he started his first of seven fall semesters at Gustavus Adolphus College. The rumor is he kept coming back so that he could meet the right woman to be his wife. He met Karen Alrick in 1965 and finally convinced her to go out in !967. They were married at Christ Chapel on the Gustavus campus the week before their 1969 graduation: her with B.A. in elementary ed. and him with a in B.S. business. The newlyweds moved to New Brighton and began the process of making a house a home. They first lived in a small cabin on Long Lake with a heating bill to rival none. Next, they moved seventy-five feet north to the home where they would raise their adopted children. He would spend hours on his flower beds, while she would run the house and provide nourishing family meals, appreciated by all who sat at the table. After the chaos of raising two boys, he moved himself and wife to the south end of the lake to town home where he enjoyed the extra time of 'not' doing home repairs because it gave him time for hobbies and family. In his younger days Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors in general. He never lost his appreciation for the outdoors and nature. As he aged and matured his passion for family grew and his hobbies changed to gardening and woodworking. He was especially proud of the bird houses he handcrafted for his friends and family. Bill was an exceptional storyteller, a true raconteur and usually had a joke for you. Reading was one of his other hobbies and had quite the collection of books and a list of favorite authors that would make a librarian proud. You would often find him puttering around the garage and workshop listening to Elvis, John Denver and/or Johny Cash. Bill could also be found at the end of the driveway or at the mailbox chatting with the many neighbors from whom he had earned their respect. God and family were at the center of his heart and driving his decisions in life. He found immense joy in the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved having the family over for dinner and cooking on the grill for all of us. He was an amazing man who will be greatly missed. His love and memories will live in our hearts and minds creating a lasting legacy for all that knew him. He will never be forgotten and will be missed. We love you!

Tributes

William G. Jafvert

December 6, 1942 - April 7, 2025

Tributes

William G. Jafvert

December 6, 1942 - April 7, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203