Jennifer K. Bennett

Jennifer K. Bennett, age 60 of Mankato, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Methodist Campus in Rochester.

Memorial services will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 3 P.M. at Woodland Hills Chapel in Mankato with Fr. Joe Fogal officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

Jennifer’s family will greet friends on Thursday afternoon from 1 P.M. until the hour of services at Woodland Hills Chapel. A Celebration of Jennifer’s Life/Camping Weekend will continue this summer at Bray Park and will be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

Jennifer Bennett, lovingly known as Jen, age 60, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 surrounded by love after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a beautiful soul whose kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Jen had a beautiful singing voice and loved music deeply, especially songs by Patsy Cline and Whitney Houston. In her younger years, she was a contestant for Miss Teen Minnesota, reflecting both her confidence and grace. She graduated from Trinity Christian school and went on to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Jen worked for many years at Maggie’s Restaurant in Mankato, where she built lasting friendships and was known for her warm smile and genuine care for others. Her, Tim, and Oreo loved spending time camping, playing bingo, and going up north each year to gather with friends from around the country—traditions she treasured deeply. Friday nights often found her at the Mankato Eagles Club, enjoying meat raffles and the company of friends.

At home, Jen found comfort and joy with her precious bunny, Oreo, whom she loved dearly. She also had a playful side—she loved scratch-off tickets, fashion, and was affectionately known as the “lipstick lady.” She truly was a fashionista. She always spoke with kindness. Never had a bad attitude or word to say. If she ever heard something crude or inappropriate she would say “That’s not a very Christian thing to say” another reason to just bring you back to ground and think. 

Above all, Jen loved her family fiercely. Family gatherings meant everything to her, and her love for those closest to her was constant and unwavering. She was exceptionally kind, an individual everyone described as the nicest person you could ever meet. Her generosity knew no limits, and her presence made people feel seen and loved.

Jen is survived by her father Dean Bennett; siblings, Luann (Tom) Freitag, Kim Laughter, Teresa Ehrlicher, Brent (Angela) Thoreson, Brenda Weyhrauch, Bradley Bennett, Jeff (Michelle) Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett, Katie (Jeremiah) Morsching; Her loving boyfriend of many years Timothy Graves; Timothys family, Melody and Duane Roberts, Sheila Graves, Melissa Graves; as well as aunts, uncles, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Carmel Bennett; brother, Nicholas Bennett; sister, Rachel Scheurer; step mother, Lisa Bennett; grand-parents; and brothers in law.  

Jen will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Her voice, her laughter, her kindness, and her love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mayo Clinic for their exceptional service and support.