Jennifer Rae (Jorstad) Albrecht

Jennifer Rae Albrecht, 61, of Chetek, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire with her loving family at her side. Jennifer was born on September 14, 1956 in Rice Lake, WI the daughter of Douglas J. and Grace E. (Beiswanger) Jorstad.

Jennifer graduated from Barron High School in 1974. She graduated from cosmetology school in 1976 and worked as a cosmetologist for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016. She married Randy Albrecht on September 9, 1978 in Prairie Farm, WI. They lived in Farmington, MN for a short time before returning to Wisconsin where they resided in rural Chetek. Her family was the centerpiece of her life, especially their daughter Jenae whom she was a devoted and caring mother to.

Jennifer was an avid horsewoman, inheriting her love of horses from her father at a very early age. She passed this love of horses onto her daughter Jenae and riding became a family pastime. The family took many horseback-related vacations with Jennifer’s favorite location being the Black Hills of South Dakota. Another love of Jennifer’s was the Green Bay Packers. As an enthusiastic fan, she cheered on her team all season long and enjoyed attending games at Lambeau Field.

Music was a huge part of Jennifer’s entire life. In her adult years, this passion led her to becoming an accomplished organist and choir director for the Chetek United Methodist Church where she was an active member. She was also in the New Auburn Community Choir. Jennifer’s love of music, paired with her talent of singing, dancing and performing, led her to yet another passion – community theatre. She could be found performing on stage of the Red Barn Theatre doing what she loved. Jennifer was also active behind the scenes as a costume designer and a member of the board of directors for the theatre.

Being a devout Christian, Jennifer’s faith was a central part of her life and helped her with her daily walk with God. She gave back to others in many ways during her lifetime, but choosing to be an organ donor ended up being her final gift which helped many families.

Jennifer leaves to celebrate her memory: her mother, Grace Jorstad of Ridgeland, WI; husband, Randy Albrecht, Chetek, WI; daughter, Jenae Albrecht, Superior, WI; brothers, Joel (Roxanne) Jorstad, New Richmond, WI; and Jerry Jorstad, Ridgeland, WI; as well as many other family members and a multitude of wonderful friends.  She was preceded in death by her father Douglas Jorstad.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jennifer’s life will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chetek United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at the Chetek United Methodist Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Gail Anderson, Debbie Bisonette, Denise Pabich, Laurie Servi, Laurie Wooldridge serving as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, please join the family for lunch and fellowship in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Red Barn Theatre or Chetek United Methodist Church.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.