Jennifer Lynn Sperstad

Jennifer Lynn Sperstad, age 40, of La Salle, died on August 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Jenn was born strong-willed and free-spirited on December 28, 1983, to Tim Sperstad and Sheri Anderson in Madelia, Minnesota. She was raised in La Salle and graduated from Saint James High School in 2002. Jenn pursued her nursing career at Presentation College until she was diagnosed with Goodpasture's Disease at the age of 22.

In 2007, Jenn received a kidney transplant from her Aunt Nancy Buckingham. Grateful for this gift, she filled her days with her favorite outdoor activities, such as camping and kayaking, and cherished time with her close friends, Nate Oldenburg, Lindsey Schmidt (McMaster), and Ethan Sizer, her cousin. Jenn was devoted to her family and worked at both family-owned restaurants, The Village Inn and The Hometown Family Restaurant. She also shared her time working at the Hanska Municipal Liquor Store, Buckshots in Butterfield and Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom, where she forged many relationships with her contagious and spunky personality.

Beginning in 2012, Jenn faced multiple hospitalizations and regular dialysis with positivity, grace, and determined perseverance. Jenn was a strong woman filled with empathy for others. She was a supporter and  a protector, always cheering others on. She was the most loving mother to her beloved fur babies, Bear Bear and Bella Rae.

On July 22nd, Jenn was hospitalized at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for the final time. After 33 days of fighting, she wrote her own ending fearlessly and confidently, in true Jenn fashion. After days filled with reminiscing, her favorite foods, and an abundance of love, Jenn gained her angel wings surrounded by her loving family. We know she will fly forever young and beautiful in a place where smiles are always catchy.

She was welcomed into heaven by her grandparents, Joan and Mike Monturno, Richard Krogstad, and Marilyn and Donald Sperstad; uncles, Ron Sonnabend, Daniel Stamp and Ron Blekestad; aunts, Jackie Rinne, Susan Sperstad, Sarah Krogstad (Becker) and Sandie Blekestad; and her guardian angels, Nancy Buckingham and cousin, Mira Lenz.

She is survived by her devoted mother, Sheri Anderson; father, Tim Sperstad; loving sister, Amanda (Mark) Etienne; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who have admired her strength.