Jennifer Michelle Jensen-Colfer

Jennifer Michele Jensen-Colfer, 47, of Petoskey, Michigan departed this earth and entered her next spiritual journey on Wednesday, Oct 21. She is the daughter of Richard and Margaret Ruemenapp and Michael Blachut.

Born in Detroit, Michigan May 31, 1968, she was one of seven brothers and sisters. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Northern Michigan University and a Masters in Science and Nursing from the University of Michigan. Jennifer spent her life dedicated to healing the most vulnerable among us as a Nurse and Nurse Practitioner. She was the first to touch many babies born to this world working with in women’s health. Teamed with her husband, Dr. Harry Colfer, she went on to help many people in the community who were diagnosed with heart disease. This was a lifetime passion that they shared together.

She loved and adored children, especially her own. She had three children Margaret, Gabby and Dylan who were the light of her life. She stood by all of them as they excelled at tennis, ballet, skiing, dance and hockey and grew into beautiful adults. She also loved her step children Katie and Christy. She was a mother and mentor to countless more children in the community.

Jennifer was a talented tennis player herself, earning All-State honors for all four years of her high school career at Petoskey High School. She went on to be a scholarship player at Ohio University. Unable to end her competitive spirt, she continued on in tournaments at a national level in adulthood.  She shared with her mother and sisters a love of the sport from playing to coaching.

She donated countless hours to Brother Dan’s Food Pantry, helping feed the homeless. Her generosity was immeasurable. Her home was a home to everyone. Her outgoing personality, passion, and free spirt were contagious. Her intellect was admired. Her wisdom and encouragement brought out the best in everyone. This world lost an angel.

Jennifer is survived by her husband Harry Colfer and her children, Margaret Jensen of Honolulu, Hawaii, Gabrielle Jensen of Greencastle, Indiana, and Dylan Jensen of Charlevoix, Michigan. Stepdaughters, Katie Reece (Phil) of Harbor Springs, Michigan, and Kristie Schneider (Carl) of Pellston, Michigan, Sisters, Elizabeth Doerr (Armin) of Karlsruhe,Germany, Tina Blackman of Petoskey, Teresa Baldwin of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Brothers, John Ruemenapp of Marshall, Michigan, Richard (Kate) Reumenapp of Hudsonville, Michigan and Andrew (Christie) Ruemenapp of Denver, Colorado. Nieces and Nephews, Isabel and Julian Ruemenapp; Sabrina and Alexander Doerr; Adam Blachut, Jordan and Joseph Blackman; Ian and Aaron Baldwin; Jacob and Emma Ruemenapp.

Jennifer was preceded in death by Jeff Baldwin.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th at Stone Funeral Home from 2pm to 5pm. And again at St. Francis Church in Petoskey from 10am to 11am followed by mass. A wake will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Petoskey following the service.

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