The following was written by her father.
JENNIFER MARIE BANTRUP
Born 01-07-72
Died 06-08-09
Jennifer was born 37 ½ years ago. She was born with Spina Bifida (a birth defect) – she had a 50-50 chance of survival. She had about 26 operations and stays at hospitals during her short life. They were all very painful but as long as mom and dad were by her side in the hospital, she did not complain.
She had a "magic" -- childlike innocence, uncomplicated, and a little shy. The ordinary and simple made her happy…. Such as sitting in the sand at the ocean beach with the waves hitting her up to her waist with her dad holding her back,
She loved singing but was embarrassed to do so in church.
She loved the TV series MASH and the movie "Space Cowboys."
She loved her I-POD.
She loved flavored coffee.
She loved pink roses.
She always read the KC Star at breakfast time.
HER GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT was that she could not wear fancy shoes instead of the leather shoes made for her tiny feet.
Her wheelchair limited her activities of the body but her mind was very active --- reading books, watching MASH, memorizing all the Presidents' dates, dates of all family members' birthdays.
Now Jennifer does not dance with her dad in her wheelchair anymore for her "dance card" is now full. She is walking and dancing with the saints and flying with the angels.
Her limited arm strength was on the decline for years and she needed more help --- her mother and dad did not mind.
OUR LIVES (including the dogs) were as one with Jennifer –Toby would lick her toes before her mother put her stockings and those ugly leather shoes on her. Toby and Sunny would sleep in her room during the day.
WE WILL MISS YOU JENNIFER EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES…..(signed) Your Dad and Mother
Additions
Jennifer also loved sushi.
Jennifer ate her lunch in her room – always saying "thank You" when we brought her food, also when we filled her water container with a straw.
JENNIFER MOST DESIRE(D) THAT IF SHE PASSED AWAY (when), she wanted to donate any of her organs to the Midwest Transplant hoping her organs can help make someone whole that she could not be when she was alive.
Jennifer was a virgin of mind and body,
Never an ill word about anyone ………
I guess Jennifer had to go before her mother and father to make sure St. Peter held the gates open for them.
Jennifer – "your favorite lamp (the one next to your bed) will be on until your usual bedtime of 11:00 PM".
Wednesday(late afternoon): We were informed that Jennifer's heart, eyes, bone marrow were taken by Midwest Transplant…
The following was written by Jennifer's Brother Chris.
I'll never forget the day you were born, January 7, 1972. Dad picked up Denise, Greg and I from grade school and took us to church to pray because things didn't appear good after your birth, being a young boy and not even knowing what Spinal Bifida even was I was certainly happier about being out of school than anything else.
But, weeks later you came home and life with you as a brother was about normal as normal can be. You didn't have the luxury of going outside whenever you wanted like the three of us, but never had any trouble navigating throughout the old house in your wheelchair. You were a true survivor in birth and more of a survivor as the years passed. You had more surgeries in your life than I've had haircuts and always bounced back as if nothing happened.
You always had a good heart and rarely showed anger. As a young boy I remember talking with mom because I wasn't getting any better in high school soccer and being mad about not making it to the varsity squad. I was quickly silenced when she told me how blessed I was to be even playing ...the ability to walk, run, kick...everything you couldn't do. She then quietly told me of the story you had told her about wanting to know if you would be able to jump rope when you go to heaven. All of a sudden my soccer career seemed unimportant.
While you managed to defy all odds throughout your life on the earth, it was still too short for all of us who loved you. You were my human Google for everyone's birthday, my presidential historian and always up to speed with the latest gossip of Brad and Anjolina. You always knew my wedding anniversary when I'd always forget it. I'd always get your birthday email, when sometimes I didn't want to be reminded that I was 43, 44 and 45...but you never forgot. I was never a celebratory birthday kind of guy, but I'd always get grief from dad if I forgot your January 7 birthday...I know I forgot alot of them and I wish I could have those dates back to wish you a happy birthday.
I wish I was a better brother in your later life while we didn't speak many words, I hope you knew how much I loved you and how I always prayed for your life to be as happy as anyone elses...I hope it was. Jennifer, enjoy your new life with God and make certain to watch over all of us especially mom and dad.
Love, Chris
PS. I hope you're jump roping now...preferably double dutch. Danielle and Sydney say it's the best kind and toughest learn.
JENNIFER MARIE BANTRUP
Born 01-07-72
Died 06-08-09
Jennifer was born 37 ½ years ago. She was born with Spina Bifida (a birth defect) – she had a 50-50 chance of survival. She had about 26 operations and stays at hospitals during her short life. They were all very painful but as long as mom and dad were by her side in the hospital, she did not complain.
She had a "magic" -- childlike innocence, uncomplicated, and a little shy. The ordinary and simple made her happy…. Such as sitting in the sand at the ocean beach with the waves hitting her up to her waist with her dad holding her back,
She loved singing but was embarrassed to do so in church.
She loved the TV series MASH and the movie "Space Cowboys."
She loved her I-POD.
She loved flavored coffee.
She loved pink roses.
She always read the KC Star at breakfast time.
HER GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT was that she could not wear fancy shoes instead of the leather shoes made for her tiny feet.
Her wheelchair limited her activities of the body but her mind was very active --- reading books, watching MASH, memorizing all the Presidents' dates, dates of all family members' birthdays.
Now Jennifer does not dance with her dad in her wheelchair anymore for her "dance card" is now full. She is walking and dancing with the saints and flying with the angels.
Her limited arm strength was on the decline for years and she needed more help --- her mother and dad did not mind.
OUR LIVES (including the dogs) were as one with Jennifer –Toby would lick her toes before her mother put her stockings and those ugly leather shoes on her. Toby and Sunny would sleep in her room during the day.
WE WILL MISS YOU JENNIFER EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES…..(signed) Your Dad and Mother
Additions
Jennifer also loved sushi.
Jennifer ate her lunch in her room – always saying "thank You" when we brought her food, also when we filled her water container with a straw.
JENNIFER MOST DESIRE(D) THAT IF SHE PASSED AWAY (when), she wanted to donate any of her organs to the Midwest Transplant hoping her organs can help make someone whole that she could not be when she was alive.
Jennifer was a virgin of mind and body,
Never an ill word about anyone ………
I guess Jennifer had to go before her mother and father to make sure St. Peter held the gates open for them.
Jennifer – "your favorite lamp (the one next to your bed) will be on until your usual bedtime of 11:00 PM".
Wednesday(late afternoon): We were informed that Jennifer's heart, eyes, bone marrow were taken by Midwest Transplant…
The following was written by Jennifer's Brother Chris.
I'll never forget the day you were born, January 7, 1972. Dad picked up Denise, Greg and I from grade school and took us to church to pray because things didn't appear good after your birth, being a young boy and not even knowing what Spinal Bifida even was I was certainly happier about being out of school than anything else.
But, weeks later you came home and life with you as a brother was about normal as normal can be. You didn't have the luxury of going outside whenever you wanted like the three of us, but never had any trouble navigating throughout the old house in your wheelchair. You were a true survivor in birth and more of a survivor as the years passed. You had more surgeries in your life than I've had haircuts and always bounced back as if nothing happened.
You always had a good heart and rarely showed anger. As a young boy I remember talking with mom because I wasn't getting any better in high school soccer and being mad about not making it to the varsity squad. I was quickly silenced when she told me how blessed I was to be even playing ...the ability to walk, run, kick...everything you couldn't do. She then quietly told me of the story you had told her about wanting to know if you would be able to jump rope when you go to heaven. All of a sudden my soccer career seemed unimportant.
While you managed to defy all odds throughout your life on the earth, it was still too short for all of us who loved you. You were my human Google for everyone's birthday, my presidential historian and always up to speed with the latest gossip of Brad and Anjolina. You always knew my wedding anniversary when I'd always forget it. I'd always get your birthday email, when sometimes I didn't want to be reminded that I was 43, 44 and 45...but you never forgot. I was never a celebratory birthday kind of guy, but I'd always get grief from dad if I forgot your January 7 birthday...I know I forgot alot of them and I wish I could have those dates back to wish you a happy birthday.
I wish I was a better brother in your later life while we didn't speak many words, I hope you knew how much I loved you and how I always prayed for your life to be as happy as anyone elses...I hope it was. Jennifer, enjoy your new life with God and make certain to watch over all of us especially mom and dad.
Love, Chris
PS. I hope you're jump roping now...preferably double dutch. Danielle and Sydney say it's the best kind and toughest learn.
The following was written by her father.
JENNIFER MARIE BANTRUP
Born 01-07-72
Died 06-08-09
Jennifer was born 37 ½ years ago. She was born with Spina Bifida (a birth defect) – she had a 50-50 chance of survival. She had about 26 operations and stays at hospitals during her short life. They were all very painful but as long as mom and dad were by her side in the hospital, she did not complain.
She had a "magic" -- childlike innocence, uncomplicated, and a little shy. The ordinary and simple made her happy…. Such as sitting in the sand at the ocean beach with the waves hitting her up to her waist with her dad holding her back,
She loved singing but was embarrassed to do so in church.
She loved the TV series MASH and the movie "Space Cowboys."
She loved her I-POD.
She loved flavored coffee.
She loved pink roses.
She always read the KC Star at breakfast time.
HER GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT was that she could not wear fancy shoes instead of the leather shoes made for her tiny feet.
Her wheelchair limited her activities of the body but her mind was very active --- reading books, watching MASH, memorizing all the Presidents' dates, dates of all family members' birthdays.
Now Jennifer does not dance with her dad in her wheelchair anymore for her "dance card" is now full. She is walking and dancing with the saints and flying with the angels.
Her limited arm strength was on the decline for years and she needed more help --- her mother and dad did not mind.
OUR LIVES (including the dogs) were as one with Jennifer –Toby would lick her toes before her mother put her stockings and those ugly leather shoes on her. Toby and Sunny would sleep in her room during the day.
WE WILL MISS YOU JENNIFER EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES…..(signed) Your Dad and Mother
Additions
Jennifer also loved sushi.
Jennifer ate her lunch in her room – always saying "thank You" when we brought her food, also when we filled her water container with a straw.
JENNIFER MOST DESIRE(D) THAT IF SHE PASSED AWAY (when), she wanted to donate any of her organs to the Midwest Transplant hoping her organs can help make someone whole that she could not be when she was alive.
Jennifer was a virgin of mind and body,
Never an ill word about anyone ………
I guess Jennifer had to go before her mother and father to make sure St. Peter held the gates open for them.
Jennifer – "your favorite lamp (the one next to your bed) will be on until your usual bedtime of 11:00 PM".
Wednesday(late afternoon): We were informed that Jennifer's heart, eyes, bone marrow were taken by Midwest Transplant…
The following was written by Jennifer's Brother Chris.
I'll never forget the day you were born, January 7, 1972. Dad picked up Denise, Greg and I from grade school and took us to church to pray because things didn't appear good after your birth, being a young boy and not even knowing what Spinal Bifida even was I was certainly happier about being out of school than anything else.
But, weeks later you came home and life with you as a brother was about normal as normal can be. You didn't have the luxury of going outside whenever you wanted like the three of us, but never had any trouble navigating throughout the old house in your wheelchair. You were a true survivor in birth and more of a survivor as the years passed. You had more surgeries in your life than I've had haircuts and always bounced back as if nothing happened.
You always had a good heart and rarely showed anger. As a young boy I remember talking with mom because I wasn't getting any better in high school soccer and being mad about not making it to the varsity squad. I was quickly silenced when she told me how blessed I was to be even playing ...the ability to walk, run, kick...everything you couldn't do. She then quietly told me of the story you had told her about wanting to know if you would be able to jump rope when you go to heaven. All of a sudden my soccer career seemed unimportant.
While you managed to defy all odds throughout your life on the earth, it was still too short for all of us who loved you. You were my human Google for everyone's birthday, my presidential historian and always up to speed with the latest gossip of Brad and Anjolina. You always knew my wedding anniversary when I'd always forget it. I'd always get your birthday email, when sometimes I didn't want to be reminded that I was 43, 44 and 45...but you never forgot. I was never a celebratory birthday kind of guy, but I'd always get grief from dad if I forgot your January 7 birthday...I know I forgot alot of them and I wish I could have those dates back to wish you a happy birthday.
I wish I was a better brother in your later life while we didn't speak many words, I hope you knew how much I loved you and how I always prayed for your life to be as happy as anyone elses...I hope it was. Jennifer, enjoy your new life with God and make certain to watch over all of us especially mom and dad.
Love, Chris
PS. I hope you're jump roping now...preferably double dutch. Danielle and Sydney say it's the best kind and toughest learn.
JENNIFER MARIE BANTRUP
Born 01-07-72
Died 06-08-09
Jennifer was born 37 ½ years ago. She was born with Spina Bifida (a birth defect) – she had a 50-50 chance of survival. She had about 26 operations and stays at hospitals during her short life. They were all very painful but as long as mom and dad were by her side in the hospital, she did not complain.
She had a "magic" -- childlike innocence, uncomplicated, and a little shy. The ordinary and simple made her happy…. Such as sitting in the sand at the ocean beach with the waves hitting her up to her waist with her dad holding her back,
She loved singing but was embarrassed to do so in church.
She loved the TV series MASH and the movie "Space Cowboys."
She loved her I-POD.
She loved flavored coffee.
She loved pink roses.
She always read the KC Star at breakfast time.
HER GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT was that she could not wear fancy shoes instead of the leather shoes made for her tiny feet.
Her wheelchair limited her activities of the body but her mind was very active --- reading books, watching MASH, memorizing all the Presidents' dates, dates of all family members' birthdays.
Now Jennifer does not dance with her dad in her wheelchair anymore for her "dance card" is now full. She is walking and dancing with the saints and flying with the angels.
Her limited arm strength was on the decline for years and she needed more help --- her mother and dad did not mind.
OUR LIVES (including the dogs) were as one with Jennifer –Toby would lick her toes before her mother put her stockings and those ugly leather shoes on her. Toby and Sunny would sleep in her room during the day.
WE WILL MISS YOU JENNIFER EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES…..(signed) Your Dad and Mother
Additions
Jennifer also loved sushi.
Jennifer ate her lunch in her room – always saying "thank You" when we brought her food, also when we filled her water container with a straw.
JENNIFER MOST DESIRE(D) THAT IF SHE PASSED AWAY (when), she wanted to donate any of her organs to the Midwest Transplant hoping her organs can help make someone whole that she could not be when she was alive.
Jennifer was a virgin of mind and body,
Never an ill word about anyone ………
I guess Jennifer had to go before her mother and father to make sure St. Peter held the gates open for them.
Jennifer – "your favorite lamp (the one next to your bed) will be on until your usual bedtime of 11:00 PM".
Wednesday(late afternoon): We were informed that Jennifer's heart, eyes, bone marrow were taken by Midwest Transplant…
The following was written by Jennifer's Brother Chris.
I'll never forget the day you were born, January 7, 1972. Dad picked up Denise, Greg and I from grade school and took us to church to pray because things didn't appear good after your birth, being a young boy and not even knowing what Spinal Bifida even was I was certainly happier about being out of school than anything else.
But, weeks later you came home and life with you as a brother was about normal as normal can be. You didn't have the luxury of going outside whenever you wanted like the three of us, but never had any trouble navigating throughout the old house in your wheelchair. You were a true survivor in birth and more of a survivor as the years passed. You had more surgeries in your life than I've had haircuts and always bounced back as if nothing happened.
You always had a good heart and rarely showed anger. As a young boy I remember talking with mom because I wasn't getting any better in high school soccer and being mad about not making it to the varsity squad. I was quickly silenced when she told me how blessed I was to be even playing ...the ability to walk, run, kick...everything you couldn't do. She then quietly told me of the story you had told her about wanting to know if you would be able to jump rope when you go to heaven. All of a sudden my soccer career seemed unimportant.
While you managed to defy all odds throughout your life on the earth, it was still too short for all of us who loved you. You were my human Google for everyone's birthday, my presidential historian and always up to speed with the latest gossip of Brad and Anjolina. You always knew my wedding anniversary when I'd always forget it. I'd always get your birthday email, when sometimes I didn't want to be reminded that I was 43, 44 and 45...but you never forgot. I was never a celebratory birthday kind of guy, but I'd always get grief from dad if I forgot your January 7 birthday...I know I forgot alot of them and I wish I could have those dates back to wish you a happy birthday.
I wish I was a better brother in your later life while we didn't speak many words, I hope you knew how much I loved you and how I always prayed for your life to be as happy as anyone elses...I hope it was. Jennifer, enjoy your new life with God and make certain to watch over all of us especially mom and dad.
Love, Chris
PS. I hope you're jump roping now...preferably double dutch. Danielle and Sydney say it's the best kind and toughest learn.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
