Karissa "Kari" Bethany Jabs (Miner)

DEFOREST-Karissa "Kari" Bethany Jabs (Miner), age 32, of DeForest, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018.  She was born on May 31, 1985, in Madison, the daughter of Mark and Sherry (Noyes) Miner.  Kari is survived by the love of her life, her husband and forever soul mate, Michael Jabs; parents, Mark and Sherry (Noyes) Miner; her beloved brother, Robert Miner (Carrie Dinelli); grandparents, Fredrick and Marlene Noyes and Robert and Janet Miner; Michael’s grandmother, Carol “Honey” Krueger; mother-in-law, Carla (Grant) Guildner; father-in-law, Bill (Avis) Jabs; sisters-in-law, Michelle (Kurt) Grajkowski and their children, Kara and Creighton; Lisa (Jeff) Barth and their children, Collin, Jacob and Cooper; Michelle (Jason) Fuss; Shelby Martin; and Becky Guildner (Marty Platt); brother-in-law, David (Joanie) Guildner; two uncles, Paul Miner (Sarah Quinn) and Randy Noyes; five aunts, Brenda Miner, Cori Deyoe (Mike Wilson), Betty (Paul) Garczynski, Doug Malliet, Lois (Paul) Seidel and Linda Doeseckle; cousins, Erica (Arron) Petersen, Jacob (Ali) Noyes, Jordan (Brittani) Noyes, Jostin (Terri) Noyes, Jami (Laura) Noyes, Jenny (James) Ocker, Jace and Jaelyn; Steve (Melissa) Garczynski, Kevin (Julia) Garczynski, Gabe (Beth) Malliet, Andy (Terry) Malliet, Ben (Haley) Seidel, Bob (Melissa) Seidel, Brad (Ann) Seidel, Becky Gulcynski, and Charlie (Penny) Doeseckle; her beloved dog, Morgan; her best friends, Amber, Kelly and Kristen; and many other precious friends and family.  She was preceded in death by her great special grandparents Frank and Mae Hupenbecker; uncle, Bill Doeseckle; and her aunt, Barb Malliet.   Kari,      I spent my whole life waiting to meet you.  I knew the one was out there- I just had to find her.  Almost 5 years ago it happened, you walked into my life and we couldn’t be separated since.  And now I’m lost.  My beautiful wife is gone and I don’t know what to do.  I’ve tried to imagine every possible scenario of how life can work without you and nothing fits.  How can I walk through our door without a, “Hey Big Guy!!” and a hug waiting for me?  How can I watch a movie without you snuggling next to me?  How can I even tie my shoes or drink a glass of water without thinking about you?      I was lucky.  I got to see you- the real you.  You showed me the real Kari, stripped down of any guards, defenses, or acting.  And I loved you.  I loved the real Kari and I know you loved that.  It was you and me against the world and that’s all we needed.  I will miss your laugh, your smile, and your ability to warm my soul with a single look- and I don’t know how I will get by without it.  I need to hear you say, “One more hug” before I go off to work.  I want another walk where we looked at houses for ideas to design our forever home.  I want this to all be over and wake up with you next to me and give me that smile.          Our time together was cut short, but my love will never end.  I loved telling you I love you.  I took you to the top of Wisconsin to tell you that I loved you for the first time because it was the closest thing to being able to scream it from a mountain top.  My love for you made me stronger and more confident.  I didn’t have to worry about anything else in the world because I had you and you had me.  Like our wedding’s central theme, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”  We could have everything or nothing, it didn’t matter because we had our love.          You are my best friend and no one understood me like you did.  No one had the patience for me like you did.  And in return I’ve never loved someone like I love you.  I cannot say goodbye.  I refuse to say goodbye.  You are always with me and I am always with you.  I love you Kari.  Michael   A memorial gathering and time of sharing memories of Kari will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona D.r, Madison, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., on Friday April 20, 2018.  At 7 p.m. we will come together to share stories and memories of our beautiful Kari.   She loved colors, especially orange.  In honor of Kari, her family invites you to wear a pop of color.  Kari was an organ donor and her generous gifts will bring miracles of life to others.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin State Parks; local parks; and, the Dane County Humane Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420