Anton (Tony) Jambor, age 84, died unexpectedly, Monday February 15, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 22nd at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti. A visitation will be held from 2:00 -6:00 P.M. (With a Prayer Service about 5:30 P.M.) Sunday, February 21st at Strike Funeral Home – ISANTI chapel and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.
Tony (Anton) Jambor, 84, beloved father, grandfather, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 15 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dolores; his son, Greg; his parents; 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Survived by his children: Sue Jambor, Robert (Bernadette) Jambor, and Karen (Doug) Bailey; grandchildren, Alina, David and Jack; brother, Jack; and many family and friends.
Tony was one of nine children in a Polish family and was raised on a farm in Browerville, MN. There, behind the family barn, Tony and his brothers would often visit a small creek to spear fish. That sparked his lifelong love for the outdoors, and anything to do with hunting and fishing.
Tony’s love of music started in the 7th grade. After hearing his uncle play the accordion, Tony was hooked. He raised a bull calf and later sold it to buy his first accordion for $15. He learned to play by listening to music on the radio. Tony’s first playing job was at a Farm Bureau meeting. His payment – a free hot dog. From then on, Tony brought his accordion everywhere, including his time in the Navy during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Winston, and on the many trips he took with his wife, Dolores, whom he met at a dance and married in 1954.
Polka music was Tony’s life! While working as a tool and die maker, Tony started his band, The Polka Jamboree. With his band, he played many ballrooms and night clubs throughout Minnesota, and recorded five albums. The Polka Jamboree was a big hit and with his band, Tony launched a television show that aired on WTCN Channel 11 from 1964 – 1968. The show was a success and was only surpassed in Upper Midwest ratings by Lassie.
Tony and Dolores went on to buy the Coliseum Ballroom and later the Bel Rae Ballroom. The ballroom was a family affair, with all three kids working in various roles, Dolores working the till and Tony taking tickets. Tony knew how to throw a party and have fun, and always made sure those around him were having fun, too. Throughout the years, many happy memories were made by family and friends at the Bel Rae. In 2015, Tony was recognized for his many contributions to and years in the music industry when he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
After nearly 30 years in the ballroom business, Tony and Dolores sold the Bel Rae Ballroom and retired to a hobby farm in Bethel, MN where they raised cattle during the summer. But retirement didn’t stop Tony from continuing to entertain people. Up until his death, he was playing his accordion at VFWs, senior centers, local supper clubs and dance halls. As Tony once said, “I like to be with people. Dancing people are fun people to be around.”
Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the deer hunting shack with his son, son-in-law, grandsons, and friends. And, he probably had one of the nicer deer stands in Orr, MN, complete with swivel stool, heater and camping stove. He also enjoyed organizing summer fishing junkets with friends to Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada.
Tony was active in several organizations, including the Polish American Club, the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association (president), the National Ballroom Operators Association (president), Upper Midwest Golden Gloves (director), and was a proud member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in the Catholic Church.
Dad will always be remembered for his generous soul, kind heart, wonderful sense of humor and great stories. Rest in peace, Papa Tony. We will miss you.
Oh Tony, I will miss your smile and warm hugs at Texas Hold Em. I will never have another “boyfriend” like you ! You will be missed on Tuesday nights. June
Dear Tony, I already miss your happy face, your humor and the joy your music gave to all of us dancers. You always played those favorite tunes for each one of us. Vaya con Dios, my Friend! I will always think of you playing your accordion in that special Jambor way for the Angels. Bonnie
God’s peace be with you uncle Tony! You will be missed as a happy-go-lucky uncle , most entertaining , and an absolute joy to be related to !
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. You can be comforted knowing that Tony’s legacy, kindness, and music will always live on in our hearts. We will miss him greatly. He was one of a kind. We are all lucky for having known him and shared time on the dance floor with him.
Mr, Jambor ,It was always a great pleasure and an honor to accompany your beautiful accordion music at the Fridley vfw. I will miss you my friend, but only till I one day see you again in paradise. Jerry Daas (old friends)
What a guy Tony was. I had the privilege of knowing him and taking his printing orders for many years, at my print shop. He was always smiling, happy. He called my “Pudgy”, but was professional about it. My parents and their friends would go to the Bel Rae Ballsroom quite often and dance the night away.
Dear Family and Friends of Tony,
We extend our deepest sympathies to each of you at this very difficult time.
Tony was so very gracious to allow our country band (Showdown), the opportunity to perform at his Bel Rae Ballroom. He was also a member of the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association when our band was voted one of the top ballroom bands. Darlene and I will never forget his kindness and encouragement.
Each week, I visit and assist my Mom with the upkeep of her apartment and also her laundry. When we have finished our work, I make us lunch and we then relax and watch the Polka Spotlight Show together.
Many times we have enjoyed the wonderful musical talents of the Tony Jambor Band! A few times while watching the show, I called Tony to tell him how wonderful the band sounded. He was always so nice to visit with!
May God, in His infinite love, comfort each of you this day and the days ahead. We thank Him for sharing Tony and his beautiful gift of music with us all.
In Christ Jesus,
Our heartfelt sympathy. We are so thankful that we had the pleasure of meeting Tony a few years ago. Thank you, Tony, for bringing me aboard the Wisconsin salmon fishing excursion. You made the trip extra special when you would play your music after a day of fishing. Also, Wednesday night cards will never be the same. Your jokes and stories were quite entertaining. You will be deeply missed.