Ethel Florence Jaspers

Ethel Jaspers passed away peacefully at Cannon Rivers on June 28th, 2025.

Born in rural, west-central Minnesota during the Great Depression, Ethel was the youngest of four children [and only daughter] born to Maynard and Josie Holtz. Ethel's education was typical of the times-walking what would now be considered a long distance to and from a one-room schoolhouse. Her high school years, however, were spent at Morris Ag School. Because of its distance from her family's farm, she boarded on campus with other girls in her age group.

After graduation, like many adventurous young women of the Post-World War II era, Ethel set her sights on the big city lights of Minneapolis, where she worked for the Singer corporation. She made friends easily and had a rich social life.

But it would be on one of her visits back home to the family farm, that her life would take an unexpected turn. At a live orchestra pavilion near Browns Valley, a handsome, talented dancer caught her eye from across the crowded floor. Through a comedy of errors [which included misidentification] it would take another couple weekends for Ethel to meet this mystery man who hailed from across the state-line. It must've been love [or something akin] at first sight because Ethel and Ed would marry within the year.

They settled in Eden, South Dakota, where they raised their five children. In 1966, they moved to Cannon Falls when Ed took a position at First National Bank. Six years later another opportunity arose, which would provide both spouses with positions at Bank of Zumbrota. And here is where Ethel continued to work long after Ed's retirement and passing.

Wintering in Arizona was one of Ethel's great joys, her three grandchildren being a close second! It was only after suffering a debilitating stroke, that her warm winters and independent living came to a halt. She became a resident of Cannon Rivers in 2021 and fell in love with the staff. As her late husband had often remarked, "Ethel can start a conversation with just about anybody." Her many, many friendships over the decades is a testament to her gift.

No funeral or celebration of life party is scheduled at this time. Remembrances in Ethel's honor may be directed to your favorite, local charity.