Jamie grew up on a diversified grain and livestock farm located in Lyon County, MN that historically practiced conservation tillage. He worked full time off the farm and raised wheat, oats, corn, soybeans, and hay over the years. He began using cereal rye and other cover crops on his row crop and small grain acres and implemented cover crop mixes across every acre in 2019. He successfully attempted his first field of no-till soybeans in 2013 and corn in 2015, of course learning on the fly was a bit trying but he was very happy with the results and his goal of 100% no-till. He also had a small free-range flock of laying hens and a angus based cow/calf herd rotational grazing grass and cover crops.
Jamie John Labat, age 46 of Marshall, died Thursday, June 10, 2021 at his home. A formal Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at KB’s Ballroom in Ghent, and reminiscing and socializing in Jamie’s honor will continue until 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date in the Community Cemetery at Milroy. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jamie’s professional and personal passion project, the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. Please mail checks to 1157 110th Avenue Luverne, MN 56156 (note the donation in the memo); or online at mnsoilhealth.org (under Partner). Finally, please consider sharing the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline to your social media page: 1-800-273-8255.
Jamie John Labat was born November 15, 1974, to David and Debra in Tracy, Minnesota. Jamie attended Milroy Public School and then graduated from Tracy Area High School in 1993. Jamie loved farming; it’s safe to say he came into this world ready to farm! Jamie also drove truck, most recently for Tolk Graveling in Minneota. When Jamie wasn’t busting his butt working, he would be spending time with his friends or talking to them on the phone. You were most likely to run into Jamie having supper at the Hitching Post in Marshall. Jamie loved to ride his Harley when he had time. Jamie loved his farm and always made sure he was providing for his cattle, chickens, ducks and even the farm cats. Jamie loved his companion dogs and most recently said farewell to Junior last fall, but he welcomed Chopper this summer.
Anyone who knew Jamie knew that he was the guy who would do anything for you at any time; he never asked for anything in return. Jamie was selfless and willing to give you the shirt off his back, and probably did many times. Jamie lived a life of service and we’re all grateful to him for making our hearts bigger. Jamie lived for his second family…his friends. Jamie was a brother, son, uncle, and father figure to many. His second family is too large to name, but Jamie will forever live on in their hearts. There’s not enough time in the day to talk about how great Jamie was. His friends and family are dealing with heartbreak and sadness as they try to navigate the huge void his passing has left in their lives.
Jamie tragically ended his life on June 10, 2021, after silently and courageously battling invisible wounds and scars that could not be healed. Jamie is survived by his entire second family, too numerous to name. Jamie is survived by his parents Dave (Jodi) Labat and Debra (Jack) Lupkes; little sister Heather (Trent Erickson) Labat and their family; step-brothers Josh (Jasmine) Wold and Justin (Janet) Wold and their families; maternal Grandma Bonnie (Bob) Noyes; paternal aunts Bev (Ron) Petersen; Julie (Al) Macht; and Laurie (Jim) Allex; maternal aunts Vic (Terry) Ousky; and Darlene Wood; paternal uncle Dan (Julie) Labat and maternal uncle Dennis “Rusty” (Laura) Stolp. Jamie leaves behind many cousins and extended family. Jamie is preceded in death by his Great Grandma Mart Ammerman; Grandpa Arthur “Babe” Stolp; Grandpa John Labat; Grandma Doris Labat and paternal uncle Gary Wood.
Please remember we must take care of our mental health in order to take care of our soil health. If you need assistance help can be found at:
MINNESOTA FARM & RURAL HELPLINE
Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know.
Phone: 833-600-2670
Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211
Email: farmstress@state.mn.us
