Jennifer Allyson Kalmer

Jennifer Allyson Kalmer, 53, of Aviston, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 25, 1971, in Nuremberg, Germany, to Leonard Kalmer (Barb) and Ruth, nee Thole, Holmes (Jim) of Aviston. 

In addition to her parents, Jenn is survived by her siblings: Julia Huelsmann (Kurt), Mark Holmes (Ciarra), Michelle Meyer (Eddie), and Ryan Alexander (Alison); her nieces and nephew: Grace Huelsmann, Lila Huelsmann, Finn Alexander, Lily Meyer, and Gus Meyer; along with her beloved fur-baby, Shorty. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Alphonse and Leona (Strubhart) Kalmer, Frank and Elsie (Spierling) Thole, Jason and Dorothy (Goff) Holmes, and Bob and Betty (Ribbing) Usselmann. 

Jenn served as a Senior Manager of Dental Operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield, acting as the Site Director for the Belleville location. In July, she celebrated 25 years with the company. 

In her free time, Jenn volunteered with various local animal rescue organizations. She enjoyed traveling, attending St. Louis Blues hockey games, and watching Harry Potter or Marvel movies. She was always eager for adventures with family and friends. Her favorite destinations included Caribbean Disney Cruises, London, the Outer Banks, Hawaii, and Walt Disney World/Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.  

Jennifer had a passion for gardening, and her front porch was always adorned with beautiful flowers. She enjoyed watching and feeding the hummingbirds in the summer, and during the winter, she made sure the birds, especially the cardinals, had plenty to eat. In the colder months, you could often find Jennifer piecing together a puzzle, assembling the latest set of Legos, or working on diamond art. Her greatest joy was undoubtedly family dinners, gathering with friends, and spending time with her nieces and nephew.  

Family and friends will remember Jenn as someone who loved unconditionally and was fiercely loyal. She will be missed more than words can express, and her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston, IL. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston, IL. Private interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston, IL, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made in Jennifer's memory to Randy’s Rescue Ranch by following this link: https://www.randysrescueranch.org/donatenow. They will also be received at the church or Nordike Funeral Home, 301 S Clinton, Aviston, IL, 62216, which is serving the family.