Jenifer Lynn Dahly, 42, of Fountain, MN died Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Jenifer, or Jenny as her siblings called her, fought a battle with cancer for over eight years, but her fight didn’t stop her from living her best life. She was a great wife, mother, sister, auntie, daughter, and friend.
Jenifer was born on January 9th, 1982, in Independence, IA., to Steve and Monica (Kleitsch) Ortner. Jenifer graduated from Fillmore Central High School where she met her husband, Rick. Jenifer went on to graduate from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Jenifer would start working for Mayo Clinic where she worked for 20 years. On June 11th, 2005 she married her high school sweetheart, Rick. Jenifer and Rick had two beautiful children, Ella and Lauren.
Jenifer loved her family. She was constantly looking for a reason to get together. Her love of the outdoors and hiking led to her fascination with exploring National Parks. Many family vacations were centered around visiting new National Parks, and she loved every minute of it. Jenifer spent time scrapbooking memories of her beautiful children and family vacations. She could spend hours gardening at home or combing the shores of Lake Superior looking for agates. Jenifer loved watching and supporting her daughters at all their sporting and school events. She adored them so much. Jenifer leaves a legacy of love and laughter that has left an impact on those who knew her which will always be remembered.
Jenifer is survived by her husband: Rick; two children: Ella and Lauren; four siblings: Adam Ortner, Cresco, IA, Jason Ortner, Cresco, IA, Carrie (Tom) Jensen, Biwabik, MN, Tim (Becca) Ortner, Cresco, IA; brother-in-law Mike (Andrea) Dahly, Bemidji, MN; mother-in-law: Nancy Dahly, Preston, MN; her parents: Steve and Monica Ortner, Harmony, MN; Grandmothers: Marcie Ortner, Waterloo, IA and Leona Kleitsch, Independence, IA; nephews and nieces: Sawyer, Quinten, Titus, Albany, Everett, Russ, and Remi; best friend she could ask for Michaela Saunders.
Jenifer was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Edward Kleitsch and Eugene Ortner and her Father-in-law: Dale Dahly.
We will be honoring and remembering Jenifer through a Celebration of Life from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr., Lanesboro, MN 55949.
Memories and condolences of Jenifer may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
I was blessed to work with Jen. She was a wonderful nurse and such a light to be around.