Jenifer Lynn Dahly, 42, of Fountain, Minn., died Thursday, February 1, 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 9, 1982, in Independence, Iowa, 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 11, 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 of Cresco, Iowa, Jason Ortner of Cresco, Iowa, Carrie (Tom) Jensen of Biwabik, Minn., and Tim (Becca) Ortner of Cresco, Iowa; brother-in-law Mike (Andrea) Dahly of Bemidji, Minn.; her parents Steve and Monica Ortner of Harmony, Minn.; mother-in-law Nancy Dahly of Preston, Minn.; grandmothers Marcie Ortner of Waterloo, Iowa, and Leona Kleitsch of Independence, Iowa; nephews and nieces Sawyer, Quinten, Titus, Albany, Everett, Russ and Remi; and the 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 10, 2024, at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr., Lanesboro, Minn.
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