Jennifer Henry

Jennifer Kaye Henry was a Christmas blessing born December 25, 1975 at the USAF Academy Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colo., to Edwin Jay and Sandra (Hanson) Henry. She was baptized at the USAF Academy Chapel in 1976. In 1977 she moved with her family to Minnesota, where she resided the rest of her life.

Jennie was a bright little girl who could read, ski and ride a pony by the time she was five years old. She was a good student and all-around conscientious good kid, active in Sunday School, 4-H, band, choir and cross country. As the oldest girl, she played a big role in caring for her siblings and was her mom's right hand when it came to keeping the large family cared for. Jennie was confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Grove City in 1991. She graduated from ACGC High School, Grove City, in 1994, and has cherished the friendships of her school friends ever since. Jen would say her greatest accomplishment was having her daughter Annie, born in Willmar in 2002. They moved to southwest Minnesota in 2004, living in Pipestone, Marshall and most recently, Tyler.

Jennie had struggled with health problems most of her life, yet she never gave up and hung on for her family. Even though so many of her goals in life were cut short by those problems, she maintained her sense of humor and the beautiful smile that mirrored her beautiful soul. She would help people in any way she could. She had no material wealth in this life, but gave generously of what she did have or was able to do. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and never forgot anyone's birthday, anniversary or address, as she loved to send cards to everyone she cared about. Jennie was very supportive and proud of the accomplishments of her family and friends.

Jen loved animals, especially her beloved cat Jack, visiting with people, music and dancing, Facebook, keeping in touch with people, and attending the kids' programs and sports events. She loved going to shows at the Opera House, especially to see family perform. She had many happy memories of trips and vacations she had been able to take and loved attending family celebrations. She had a great sense of humor and could really laugh.

Jennie had found a loving church family at Radiant Life in Marshall. She was baptized there this past March. Jennie finally found some long-sought peace and joy, and the Lord helped her greatly.

Jennie is lovingly remembered by her daughter Annilia Nichols of Tyler; parents Sandy Hanson of Tyler and Jay and step-mother Louise Henry of Vacaville, Calif; sisters Jessica and brother-in-law David Ahl of Tyler, USAF TSgt Kyna Johnson currently stationed at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Emily Johnson of Big Lake, and Melissa Henry of Washington, DC; her brother Nathan Henry of Santa Barbara, Calif.; step-siblings Jason Johnson of Atwater, Karen Wall of Hopkins and Ross Johnson of Eagan; nieces Jocelyn Klein and Dana Ahl of Tyler; Grandmother Janet True of Debs; Grandfather Donald Hanson of Dassel; step-grandparents Chet and Elaine Johnson of Atwater; aunts Gloria (Roger) Hahn of Woodland, Calif., Susan Laabs of Grove City, and Debra and uncle Gerald Stein of Debs, and her uncle Steve Henry of Los Angeles, Calif., and her future brother-in-law Rain Albertson of Florida. She is also mourned by her cat Jack, many cousins who she loved dearly, and her many friends, who she also considered family.

Awaiting Jennifer in Heaven are her grandparents Gib and Audrey Henry of Woodland, Calif. and Gene True of Debs, and her beloved cousin Sharon Rose Teigland of Debs.

God bless the memory of Jennifer Kaye Henry. She loved us all deeply and her 'big Jennie hugs will be cherished forever.'