Jennifer Hutchens

Jennifer J. Hutchens, 54, of Ventura, Iowa, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at her home.  A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at the E.B. Stillman Auditorium, 1601  Avenue North, Clear Lake, with Pastor Kathy Graves, of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Per her wishes, her body was cremated.

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.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Jennifer June Sandvik was born Sept. 5, 1961, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Laverne S. and June E. (Quevli) Sandvik.  She graduated from Mason City High School in 1980, and attended NIACC for two 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, Iowa, for two 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, Nev.

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; two brothers, Stephan Sandvik and wife, Janet, of Littleton, Colo., and Mark Sandvik and wife, Sherry, of Thompson, Iowa; one sister, Teddi Klein, of Littleton; half brother,  Matt Query, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and two 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.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.