Jennifer Sue Elbert

A Life Remembered

Jennifer Sue Elbert, aged 59, (she’ll tell you 40), peacefully made her ascent into Heaven on June 25, 2024, at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. Jenny was born on February 10th, 1965 in Mason City, Iowa to Max and Mickey Holmes. She graduated from Hampton High School, Hampton, Iowa, in 1983 where she had the opportunity to study abroad in Columbia. After high school, Jenny then attended lowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She later received her Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College after deciding to go back to school and complete her degree. Jenny Holmes became Mrs. Elbert on the 7th of September in 1991, marrying Doug Elbert in her hometown, Hampton, Iowa. She spent most of her career working with Wells Fargo, displaying to her children what work hard/play hard truly meant. Whether it was at work, with friends, or at family functions Jenny always knew how to put on a show. She was the life of the party at any given moment and we will forever cherish her Spirit in this way. 

To many, Jenny could be described as the “crazy lady, crazy mom, crazy aunt, crazy neighbor, crazy friend, or crazy co-worker.” Not in a negative light, but in a way that summarized her extravagant charisma and Spirit. Needless to say, there was never a dull moment with Jenny. She had this incredible way of rolling with the punches that life brought, and leaning into who she truly was. She did this through humor and academy award worthy performances. After all, she always wanted to be an actress discovered in a bar. It’s Jenny’s notorious behaviors that we’ll miss the most. Things like being ready to walk out of the door, while already being 10 minutes late, and having to use the bathroom one last time! Or leaving her purse behind at every function without fail. More importantly, the energy and Love she put into creating moments for her family and friends to come together for memories that we’ll carry with us forever. 

If you shared any amount of time with Jenny then your memories will be filled with not only the big moments but immense amounts of Joy and Love she carried into all the seemingly miniscule ones too. A follower of Christ, her Legacy was to spread Love so that the world may be better than when she came into it. Jenny did just that.

As we grieve the fact that Jenny has been taken from us far too soon, let us remember one thing. Jenny achieved her Legacy, and for that she wants us also to celebrate and rejoice for she is at peace. It is up to us to carry on the Light she instilled in us all. 

Jenny is survived by her mother, Mickey Holmes; her sister, Lori Holmes; her husband, Doug Elbert, and her three children, Cody, Spencer, and Rozlyn Elbert. Jenny was preceded in death by her father, Max Holmes; brother, Kevin Holmes; sister-in- law, Pamela Elbert, and father-in-law, James Elbert.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to InnerVisions HealthCare, 1355 50th Street, Suite 400, West Des Moines, IA 50266 or EveryStep Kavanagh House, 900 56th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312. Online condolences are welcome at www.llesCares.com.