Jodi Lynn Jons Gubbrud passed away on 06/23/2025 in her own home at the age of 58. She was a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota. Jodi was born at the Sioux Valley Hospital, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota hospital on July 24th, 1966. She was the loving daughter of Dennis Ray Jons and Barbara Jean (Wenzel) Jons. She was baptized shortly after at Canton Lutheran Church, and eventually confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Jodi graduated with honors from Sioux Falls Washington HS in 1984, where she starred in athletics and cheerleading. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Augustana College, where she met and made many lifelong friends, as well as her future husband of 34 years, Dave. She was an outstanding student and graduated Magna Cum Laude, in 1988. She subsequently attended graduate school at The University of North Dakota and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, graduating in 1990.

Jodi then moved to St. Paul and began practicing immediately. Soon after, she married Dr. David Gubbrud of St. Paul, Minnesota, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD on August 10th, 1991. She was able to support his medical education spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Eventually they settled in the Crocus Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, where they have resided until her passing.

Jodi was a beautiful person physically, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Whenever she encountered a handicapped person, an older person struggling, a homeless person sitting alone at a bus stop, a scared child, or somebody trying to get their groceries across the street, she would almost certainly try to intervene. That would be an opportunity to approach, smile at them, say hello, ask if she could help or how their day was going, and then genuinely listen. She would make them feel comfortable with her beautiful smile and would genuinely listen and engage in conversation. Almost always, the result was a good exchange and some smiles or laughter. She always felt human connection and getting to know people was more important than any other achievement or schedule.

Jodi had an electric smile and a booming laugh that could absolutely stop the show. She had the “secret sauce” that allowed her to walk into any gathering of people and change the whole atmosphere for the better. Most who knew her said the party didn’t start until she walked in.

She loved her children as only a mother can and had boundless love for their friends, teammates, and neighbors. She joyfully rooted them on through all the wins and the losses and was never happier than when the house was loud, full, and the fridge was raided. Her garden was frequently trampled by a ball or a dog, but she wore this like a badge of motherhood. She, Joe (her son with some disabilities), and her faithful dog Otis walking and stopping to chat up and laugh with the neighbors will be greatly missed.

Jodi also was a fitness enthusiast, teaching various group fitness classes professionally and with great enthusiasm and joy. Many of the attendees became good friends. She also coached softball, ran marathons, and loved gardening and crafting activities. She also took on her kids and their friends in many backyard basketball games and had a real competitive streak.

The last several years were made challenging by early onset Alzheimer’s dementia. Despite this, her resilience, her love of music, her beautiful smile, and occasional glimpses of her famed sense of humor served as an inspiration and a beacon to her friends, children, and especially to her loving husband. She ultimately succumbed to an inevitable process but continued with a steadfast fighting spirit to the end. She had an extremely strong faith and is assuredly resting in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by peace and love.

Jodi is survived by her husband of 34 years Dave Gubbrud of St. Paul, her sons Sam Gubbrud of St. Paul, Jon Gubbrud and wife Cortney (Ihnen) Gubbrud and their daughters Oakley and Eden of Omaha, Nebraska, daughter Ellie Gubbrud of St. Paul, Mother Barb Peterson of Sioux Falls, stepmother Kristi Jons of Sioux Falls, father in law Bruce Beneke of St. Paul, and some of the most loyal, kind friends any person could ever hope to have. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Joe Gubbrud of St. Paul.

The funeral will be held July 19th, 2025 at 11 AM at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave W, Roseville Mn, 55113. The family has asked that Memorial contributions go to the World Food Program USA, PO Box 96316, Washington, DC 20090-6316 or wfpusa.org, or Roseville Lutheran Church, rosevillelutheran.org.