PLYMOUTH–Jenna Leigh Ahlness, age 40, of Plymouth, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Amy Karlson officiating. Burial will follow at Linden Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Hanska, where Jenna will be laid to rest beside her father. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.To leave an online condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit mvfh.org.

Jenna is survived by her sons, Jontae and Ja’Kai Ahlness; mother, Leigh Ann (DuWayne) Redmond; brother, Jackson (Jill Beranek) Ahlness; niece, Breah Ahlness; stepsisters, Dena (Todd) Hasz and Diana (Matt) Udovich; aunts and uncles, Leslie Botten, Linda (David) Basmoen, Landis (Rhonda) Froehling, and Judy (Steve) Anderson; first cousins Tasha Conway, Ashley Lehner, Jordan Botten, Walker Froehling, Kristi Loose, Kurt Andersen, Kory Andersen, Darren Anderson, Michelle VanDenTop, Mark Ahlness, John Ahlness, and their families, along with many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Warren “Homer” Ahlness; maternal grandparents, Harlan “Fritz” and Marlys Froehling; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Donna Ahlness; and uncles Steve Ahlness and David Botten.

Jenna Leigh Ahlness was born on August 16, 1985, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Warren “Homer” and Leigh Ann (Froehling) Ahlness of rural Hanska. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska and confirmed at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm. A 2003 graduate of New Ulm High School, Jenna later moved to the Twin Cities, where she worked at Toys “R” Us in Bloomington and attended Normandale Community College. In 2005, Jenna began what would become a remarkable and dedicated 20-year career with U.S. Bank. Starting as a teller at the Eden Prairie branch, she quickly advanced to roles including banker, Sales Coach, and Sales and Service Manager. For the past nine years, she has served as a Branch Manager in the Northwest District. Her leadership, heart, and unwavering work ethic touched colleagues across the organization and left a lasting legacy.

In her younger years, Jenna adored Barbies, Beanie Babies, Beverly Hills 90210, Elvis, and country music–especially Billy Ray Cyrus. For nearly three decades, she was a devoted fan of the band Hanson, attending their concerts whenever possible.

She was a proud supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, often attending training camp in Mankato and dragging her brother along so he could collect autographs–Randy Moss was her absolute favorite. Jenna also cherished holidays with family, especially Christmas. She enjoyed reality TV, conspiracy documentaries, and designer accessories. Known for her long, memorable phone calls, she had a sharp sense of humor, was loyal to those she loved, and could deliver a roast like no one else.

She recently became an aunt for the first time, where she had the honor to become Breah’s godmother, which made her very proud.

Above all, Jenna’s greatest joy and deepest love were for her two boys, Jontae and Ja’Kai, who meant everything to her.

Jenna was genuine and authentic in every sense of the word. She led with both skill and heart. Her door was always open, her advice honest, her kindness constant. Helping others wasn’t just something she did–it was who she was. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and supported, whether they were customers seeking guidance or coworkers in need of encouragement.

Her impact reached far and wide–through her team, her colleagues, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Jenna’s legacy of compassion, integrity, and excellence will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

She was a proud mother, a devoted sister and daughter, a true friend, and a bright spirit who brought laughter, surprise, and warmth wherever she went. Her love for her boys, her pride in her New Ulm roots, and her joy in sharing her Norwegian heritage were at the core of who she was.

We are better for having known her, and her spirit of generosity, humor, and love will remain with us always.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]