Jennifer Marie Wu
February 01, 2020
Jennifer Marie Wu, 32, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Iowa Methodist Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with illness. Jennifer was born December 20, 1987 in Des Moines, IA to Robert and Nicole Wu and raised in West Des Moines. She graduated from Valley High School, and then from Iowa State in Biomedical Drawing and Illustration. She also studied abroad at the University of Tazmania while in college. She was working on her Master’s in Public Health from Des Moines University and was employed at Wellmark.
Jennifer was so incredibly strong. She always persevered, and no matter what life brought her way, she fought for life, and to live life on her terms. She had a passion for travel, new adventures, and meeting new people. Her travels took her to places near and far, such as Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Mexico, Quebec, Sweden, London, Amsterdam, Australia, and Taiwan and she enjoyed visiting art museums and cathedrals while traveling. Jennifer also loved the outdoors. She enjoyed the peacefulness of the countryside, going on hikes, camping, hunting, rock climbing, and volleyball. She loved to bake and was always trying out new recipes. Jennifer was generous with friends and strangers, and volunteered with various organizations. Most recently, she was providing baked goods for a hospice center.
She is survived by her parents, Robert and Nicole Wu; her siblings, Frances (Eric) Grantham of Kansas City, MO and Jonathan Wu; and her beloved nephews, Jackson and Owen Grantham. Jennifer was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents and her maternal grandfather.
Jennifer’s life will be honored during a service on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The family will greet friends following the service.
Fellow Coworker and Friend
02/04/2020
What a wonderful person to have known both at work and outside of work. Jennifer's positive attitude and uplifting personality will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are extended.
Juwon Buckner
02/04/2020
Robert and Nicole I am so sorry to hear about Jennifer she was such a sweet woman. I am praying for you and the rest of your family.
Sara Tourte
02/04/2020
Im so sorry to hear about Jennifers passing. She was such a light to the World. Her contagious smile will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
John Pestotnik and Cindy Hewett
02/04/2020
We were so sorry to hear the sad news. Our deepest condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Matthew Lucas
02/04/2020
Jennifer and I traveled all over together. Her smile and laugh will be missed. Always so positive and bubbly. The world was truly a better place with Jen being a part of it.
Kelly (Hall) Denger
02/04/2020
Nicole and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jennifer. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Dengers
Shanna Kenworthy
02/03/2020
Jennifer always met me with a smile. Her genuine and caring personality will always be remembered. My condolences to her family.
Terry Demaray
02/03/2020
Im so sorry to hear about Jennifer. She was the sweetest person. I worked with her at Wellmark. She truly will be missed. Prayers go out to Nicole and family.
Stephanie Becker
02/03/2020
I was shocked when I heard about Jennifer. I worked with her at Wellmark. She was a great coworker and always knowledgeable and caring. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.