Obituary
Jen (Jennifer) Kay Meindel
Jen (Jennifer) Kay Meindel, 47 years old, of La Crescent/Brownsville, passed away at home on July 17, 2024.
Jen was born on January 19, 1977, to Donald and Susan (Harlos) Meindel of La Crescent MN. She attended La Crescent High School and was part of the 1995 graduating class. Jen participated in band and enjoyed hanging out with all her many friends. She started her working career at Skemp Grandview Clinic now Mayo Health Systems in La Crosse WI as a caretaker of their beautiful roses. She continued her working career at Quillen’s on French Island. After high school, she attended college and obtained her nursing degree from Winona State University. She began her nursing career caring for the elderly patients at the St. Charles Nursing home. She continued to pursue her passion of caring for others, and dedicated her career, to Mayo Clinic. She worked in a few different areas within Mayo Clinic with her last landing spot as a Nurse with the Remote Monitoring Program team.
Jen had many passions: cheering on the Minnesota Twins, Hiking at State and Local parks, playing with her beloved dogs (Maddie decd., Lucy, Sally and Bandit) as well as hanging out with friends and family. She was a fiercely independent women who would do anything for anybody else. Her compassion for others was something to be admired; she was well loved by everyone she would meet. Her latest interest was learning about the wild mushrooms of Houston County. This summer, she enjoyed cheering on her nephew, Oliver, at baseball and basketball games. She had fun hanging with ‘The Water Bill Girls’. She spent time talking with her Niece Abigale about College and her Niece Ellyanna about High School life. She loved being their Auntie Jen. Jen loved being Don and Sue’s daughter; she loved hanging out and spending time with both of them. Over the last several years, Jen also enjoyed spending her time with Emma and Brody; she enjoyed watching them grow and was grateful to be part of their lives.
She is survived by her parents: Donald Meindel, Father; Susan (Harlos) Meindel, Mother; Christine Meindel-Wagner, sister (Dustin Wagner, Brother-in-Law); Nieces Abigale and Ellyanna and Nephew Oliver and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and cherished Friends. She is preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents, Maternal Grandparents, Paternal Aunt and Uncle and a Maternal Uncle.
In honor of Jen, if you are experiencing any Domestic Violence, please reach out to your local Domestic Abuse prevention agencies. Locally: New Horizons Crisis line 888-231-0066 or text to 608-667-9944. Bluff Country Family Resources 866-367-4297. Mayo Health System Safe Path 608-392-7804. Gundersen Health System Center for Violence Prevention and Intervention 608-775-5557. National help line: 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.
If you are experiencing a Mental Health Crisis, please reach out. Locally: La Crosse County Crisis Line 608-784-4357 or the Southeast Regional Crisis Center 507-322-3019. National help line: 988 or text HOME to 741741. For more information in Western WI, SE MN and NE IA dial 211 for Great River 211.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jen’s name to an above organization or to La Crescent Animal Rescue.
A celebration of Jennifers life will be held from 11-1:00 pm, Wednesday, August 7, 2023, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI 54650.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Jen, definitely made an impact on so many and everything around her. Ever since you were a baby you had that same big bright beautiful smile on your face.
Such a tremendous loss. so very heartbreaking.
I only hope that we can honor you by putting unconditional love out into the world. May your nieces and nephew, live their best life through the love, light and joy you brought.
My deepest condolences.
I’m so sad to hear of Jen passing away. I had the priviledge of working with Jen at Saint Marys Hospital ICU for several years and will always remember her fun laughter and great sense of humor. Jen was a kind and compassionate nurse you could always rely on for assistance. You have touched so many lives and given so much of yourself.
Rest in Peace Jen.
Hugs to Family,
Lisa Staggemeyer
Patty, so sorry to hear, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I used to work with Jen. She was a great coworker and we had many laughs together. I’m so sorry for her friend’s and family’s loss. Sending many prayers ❤️
My heart is breaking for Jen’s family. Her smile, kindness, compassion, fun, gentle common sense and caring will always be remembered. Sending love. MKJ
Don Sue and Christine, our hearts go out to you at this incredibly sad time. many prayers for all of you
Sue, Very sorry to hear of your daughters passing. My sincere sympathy & prayers to your family.
I’m heartbroken with this news. Prayers to the family. I was so fortunate to get to know Jen well over the past 5 years with Remote Monitoring and truly considered her a friend. Each workday we had multiple touchpoints supporting one another and sharing our lives. We have been through thick and thin together sacrificing our own time to care for patients. Jen was the best nurse ever! She made a difference in so many patients lives, most recently I know of 2 patients who got the care they needed under Jen’s gentle guidance who otherwise might not be with us today. Jen always displayed such a kind and caring attitude yet could relay strong encouragement if needed making sure her patients received the care they needed. Her loss has left a hold in the Remote Monitoring team for sure.
On a personal level I always admired Jen so much. She was fearless in her endeavors working full time at Mayo and also starting her own business. On top of that she also made time each day to dedicate to her health exercising religiously. It was not uncommon to hear about her and her beloved pup Bandit going for 17 mile hikes in the woods. I’ll always remember Jen for her bright spirit and love for anything outdoors.
Rest in peace Jen
Crying for Jen right now. I just found out and am heartbroken. Such a kind and giving Spirit she was. I had the privilege of working with her in La Crosse at Mayo. So smart, so thoughtful. Praying for comfort to her family and friends.