Albert Jobes Jr.

Bert, as his friends and family knew him ("Al" to his colleagues), passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer, in the company of his loving wife Tammy. While mere words can't begin to express all that he meant to his family and friends, a few details are shared in the following. He loved those he considered his, fiercely and limitlessly.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany to Sonja and Albert Jobes, Sr., Bert's life was influenced by the many places he'd lived and the people he'd met where his dad was stationed. Bert's family, including brother Robin and sister Denise, finally settled in Bloomington, MN, where he graduated high school. He enjoyed hunting with his family each fall with Dad, brother, sister, uncles, and nephew Robbie (Cheryl and family).  He served the communities that he called home in many ways including serving as a firefighter in Farmington, MN and firefighter/EMT in Pine Island, MN, positions that he was very proud of.

His previous marriage gave him two daughters, Jenna and Jaime (Aaron), whom he loved as his own, as well as 2 beautiful children, Andrew (Rebecca) and Annalise (Bryan; Emitt, Avery, and Finley). In 2014, Bert met his soulmate, Tammy. Bert and Tammy's union brought him 3 more children to love as his own, Jordan (Abigail and Bailee), Morgan, and Alexander. His children were the lights of his life, and he was immensely proud of each of them and their individual strengths. He was able to connect with each of them in a unique way, providing a shining example of integrity, strength, and most of all love. They all knew that Dad was only a phone-call away if they needed anything at all. His relationship with Tammy was one of deep respect, love, and joy in the simple things like a shared love of music, Harley adventures, traveling, and spending time with their kids and grandkids -providing a shining example of our wish for future partners for each of our children.

For those that knew Bert and could call him "friend" you are aware of his loyalty, willingness to always help, sense of humor, pride in his careers and country, and joy for life. His instincts and drive to help others didn't begin only when he put on his uniform; he was the unique soul and gentle giant that went out of his way to help anyone he saw in need, from the mom or kid broke down on the side of the road, to someone stranded at the gas station, or the homeless person on the street. He touched many people's lives through this selflessness. His work at St. Mary's hospital where he was a PCA in the heart/lung transplant unit and other areas brought him joy and pride. He was known by his colleagues as someone that could always be counted on, as well as that one person who could always find that special way to connect to patients on a level only they needed.

The measure of Bert's life cannot be determined by the years that we had with him, but rather in the legacy he leaves each of us through his influence on the people he loved and the lives that he touched. While he is no longer here to lend us a hand, we'll all still hear his advice to "watch some YouTube videos" when completing tasks he would have jumped in to help with. No one has yet published a video for all of us to learn how to go on without him. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bert's memory in a way he would have loved; if you see someone needing help, help them. Rest pain-free and at peace.