Jane M. Gross Stumpf

Jane Mary (Gross) Stumpf lived for just over 70 years, passing away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Jane loved stories. So let’s end this chapter with a story. Once upon a time, Jane Mary’s soul decided to come to Earth. And on July 20, 1955, Bernard and Virginia Gross said, yes, we want her with us. As she liked to say, ‘I came into this world with love.’ Well, Jane took that love and she multiplied it, exponentially. On September 20, 1975, she married Art Stumpf, and eventually welcomed four more souls into the world with love. And they were the light of her life. And she was the light of theirs. And then more souls came into this love through her seven grandchildren. And ‘Ba’ as they lovingly called her, was the light of their lives as well. Jane was a chronic joy-spreader, a smile-maker, a giver, a loving and expert mom, grandma, and friend to all. She made everything special: birthdays, celebrations, gatherings, days that end in ‘y’. She was known for the creative touch she brought to the mundane. For seeing the silver lining in the storm cloud. For wearing rose-colored glasses on even the grayest days. Consider yourself touched by this contagious whimsy if you've ever received a Jane-poem, a photo of you cut into a shape to decorate your card, or a gift wrapped with twine and dried flowers. Another joy in Jane’s life was her work at the clinic in Pierz, spending over 30 years helping doctors, nurses, and patients – always with a smile, a kind word, and a ‘yes we can’’ attitude. One day, Jane, having accomplished all the tasks her soul set out to do on this Earth, was called back home. And she knew that she was being called back home by love. And she wasn’t scared. She wasn’t afraid. But she was sad, because her family was sad. But she knew they’d be okay. And they knew she would be free. “I came into this world through love, and I’m being called home by love. And I lived in all this love of my family and friends. I had such a good life. We had so much fun. So many laughs. There’s so much love here. It’s hard to leave. But I know there’s a greater love calling me home.” Jane is dearly loved and missed by her husband Art Stumpf, children Kyle (Tammi) Stumpf, Heidi (Joe) Thielen, Nathan (Shivani) Stumpf, Emily Stumpf (Steve Novoselac), and seven grandchildren: Taylre, Jackson, Ella, Presley, Olive, Finn, and Arlo. Her brothers and sisters also love and miss their sister so much: Diane Seekamp, Gail Porter, Mark (Jeannie) Gross, Mona Valenty, Ted (Nadine) Gross, Steven (Gwen) Gross, Jerry Gross, Joel (Nicole) Gross, Richard (Jodi) Gross, Lonny Gross, and Tessa (Jason) Elstran. Though in reality, there isn’t even space to list all those that are loving and missing her. And she felt all of that love from everyone. She’s joining some loving faces on the other side as well: Ben and Virginia Gross, her brother Glen Gross, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Mass will be at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillman (Bulldog Lake), MN, at 12:00 P.M., on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with no visitation prior to mass. Burial will be at the St. John’s Nepomunk Church Cemetery in Lastrup, MN, at a later date. Family and friends are invited to the Pierz Ballroom at 2:00 P.M. for dinner, more stories, and a toast. She requested no money or flowers be sent. No thank you cards will be mailed. Rather, pay it forward to someone in need. Let’s end this story with some of her favorite quips: “Do small things, with great love.” And of course: “Be kind. Nothing good ever came from being harsh.” And lastly: “Seize the day.”

Tributes

Jane M. Gross Stumpf

July 20, 1955 - April 8, 2026