Jennifer J. Hutchens

Jennifer J. Hutchens, 54, of Ventura, IA, died Saturday, September 5, 2015, at her home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the EB Stillman Auditorium (by Clear Lake Middle School), 1601 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake, IA (use North doors), with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Per her wishes, her body was cremated and there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jennifer Hutchens memorial fund in care of the family. The memorials will be used to set up a scholarship fund in her honor. The family has requested that friends wear a hat to the service in Jenny’s memory.

Jennifer June Sandvik was born September 5, 1961, in Mason City, IA, the daughter of Laverne S. and June E. (Quevli) Sandvik. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1980, and attended NIACC for 2 years before continuing her education at the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her BA Degree in Teaching. Jenny began her teaching career in Mason City in 1985. She then taught in Dubuque, IA for 2 years before returning to Mason City, where she taught at John Adams Middle School for 28 years. On March 28, 1987, Jenny married John Hutchens in Las Vegas, NV. Jenny was a great teacher, mentor, instructor, role model and caregiver. She loved spending time with her family and friends, horseback riding, biking, bird watching, being outdoors and having fun. She was also a dog lover, people pleaser and comedian. She will be deeply missed.

Jenny is survived by her husband of 28 years: John Hutchens of Ventura; her mother: June Sandvik of Mason City; 2 brothers: Stephan Sandvik and wife Janet of Littleton, CO, and Mark Sandvik and wife Sherry of Thompson, IA; 1 sister: Teddi Klein of Littleton; half brother: Matt Query of Cedar Rapids, IA; and 2 half sisters: Karen Wilson of Mason City and Jill Query of Mason City. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her father.