Jennie Byrn

Jennie Byrn passed away on May 17, 2026, at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 56, after suffering a stroke. Born on November 30, 1969, in Willoughby, Ohio, to William “Bill” and Jane (Kile) Byrn, she was a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt. In 1973, Jennie moved with her parents to Spencer, Iowa, where she attended grade school and graduated from Spencer High School in 1990.

Upon her graduation from high school, Jennie moved from her parent's home to the Group Home in Spencer where she lived for the remainder of her life. Jennie loved living at the Group Home with the other residents.

While growing up, Jennie would join her family at a lake resort and attend summer camps in Minnesota. Jennie's mom Jane was a constant participant in Jennie's life by talking with her every day on the phone, visiting her, attending Sunday service at the First Congregational Church, and shopping at Walmart.

Jennie was a vibrant, active member of her community who was recognized for the wonderful person she was and shared her joy with everyone. Many people in Spencer knew and supported her throughout her life. She was an enthusiastic participant in Special Olympics, competing in the tennis ball throw, fast walk, swimming, and Unified Cheerleading. She was also a proud member of the Kiwanis Aktion Club, participating in numerous parties at the Group Home. Jennie loved her work at the Sheltered Workshop, from 1990 until it closed in 2016. She took pride in sorting pop cans on the line and organizing small parts. Her dedication was so strong that even when she was sick, she preferred to go to work rather than stay home.

Jennie’s spirit shone brightest in her hobbies and daily joys. She loved the song "Achy Breaky Heart" and the Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You.” A cherished video of her singing the latter at a Group Home karaoke songfest perfectly captures her spirit and love of song and dance. She looked forward to her weekly Walmart trips to shop for Barbie and baby dolls, where the managers and cashiers knew and enjoyed her visits. At the Clay County Fair, she always had fun listening to concerts while eating a corn dog and mini donuts. She also worked at the Sunshine booth when they operated one. A fierce competitor at Uno, she rarely lost and wore her well-earned title of "Uno Queen" with immense pride and a bright smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Jane Byrn. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Robin K. Byrn (and her late husband, Tim C. Murphy) of Delton, Michigan; Becky A. Byrn-Schmid (and her husband Roger) of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and Jonathan W. Byrn (and his wife Susan Lorimor) of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews: Lynnsay Petzel; Bryan Petzel (and his wife Myriam); Gregory Petzel (and his wife Brianna); Kathryn Petzel (and her partner Tony Peregrin); Alaura, Kaitlin, Marcus, and Eryn Byrn; and Mareach Angok; as well as nine great-nieces and nephews: Eva, Adelie, and Aedan McCormick; Raymond Petzel; and Ellie, Maxine, Otto, Emma, and Thomas Petzel.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Jennie’s name to the First Congregational Church of Spencer, or by way of the Special Olympics Iowa website with further designation to the Spencer Special Olympics. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Spencer at a later date.