Gretchen Webber Lobe, age 102 of Ely died Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at
Carefree Living in Babbitt. She was born June 8, 1916 the daughter of Paul and Evelyn (Connell) Webber in Albert Lea. Gretchen was the eldest of their four children. She always loved the outdoors and had a special interest in Girl Scouting and was the first Girl Scout to achieve the Golden Eaglet Award in Albert Lea. She was a graduate of Albert Lea High School and graduated from St. Catherine’s in 1938. Gretchen was hired by the Ely School District to run the Girl Scout Program and to teach Social Studies. Ely was a long way from Albert Lea, but Gretchen was adventurous and loved a challenge. John M. Lobe came into her life on a skating rink in Ely; they were married on February 7, 1942 in Albert Lea which started 60 years of marriage. In the early 1960s she pursued a degree in library science and was subsequently hired by the Babbitt School District where she served as the school librarian for 20 years. Upon her retirement, she and John shared happy times at their cabin on Eagle’s Nest. Gretchen was a lifelong member of the American Association of University Women, had served on the Ely Bloomenson Board of Directors and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.
Gretchen never let life’s challenges get her down. She was optimistic, resilient and strong. Her witticisms, philosophy and advice will be remembered. Friends were very important to Gretchen and she particularly enjoyed entertaining her beloved bridge club. She always said, “ I have had a wonderful life and the very best of friends.”
Gretchen is survived by children: Joneene Lobe of Ely, Vincent (Paula) Lobe of Pittsford, NY, Larry Lobe (Sue Terry) of Roseville, and John P. (Michelle) Lobe of Woodburn, IN; grandchildren: Michael (Josie) Lobe, Sarah Lobe, Charlie (Lynn) Lobe, Katie (Mark) Farr, Siiri (Aaron Bubb) Lobe, and Ian (Sarah) Lobe; great-grandchildren: Max, Evan, Hunter, and Arlo; extended family and friends, including special friend: Nancy Bement.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Eileen Matze, Vincentia Balsinger and Paul V. Webber.
The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018 in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Ely. A Gathering time for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place in the Ely Cemetery.
Memorials are the preferred way to honor Gretchen’s life, and may be directed to the John and Gretchen Lobe Helping Hands Fund at the Vermilion Community College Foundation.
Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.