Jessica Kijenski

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Jessica Pearl Kijenski, age 74 of Hugo, MN passed away peacefully on January 9, 2021 as a result of idiopathic lung disease, sarcoidosis complications, and pulmonary hypertension. Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ima Lloyd; son, Mathew; sisters, Nyla, Lois & Alethea; brothers, Tom, Jerry, Joe, James, Dale, Arlo; sister-in-law, Lynn Lloyd; brothers-in-law, Tony D’Angelo, Mike Christenson.  Jessica is survived by her husband, Leonard; daughter, Heidi (Alex Zrolka) Kijenski; grandsons, Mathew Zrolka, Logan & Chase Kijenski; daughter-in-law, Carrie Kijenski; sisters, Linda (Bob) Nesbitt, Shirley D’Angelo; brothers, John, Arlen (Dawn), Owen (Bev), Dean (Nancy); sisters-in-law, Marilyn Lloyd, Marcia Lloyd, Jackie Lloyd, Katie Lloyd, Karen Kijenski; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Jessica was born on August 1, 1946 in southern Minnesota. She was raised on a farm in Amboy, Minnesota with her 15 brothers and sisters. After high school, she moved to St. Paul and worked at the MN Highway Department where she met her husband, Leonard, to whom she has been married for 53 years. They welcomed two children, Heidi and Mathew. Jessica spent most of her working years as an executive assistant at Southwest Jr. High (much to the chagrin of her children who attended the school).  Jessica was a vociferous reader and an avid scrap booker. She loved gardening, entertaining, and above all, her grandsons. She will be remembered for her quick wit and laughter (and her awesome Christmas stockings).

Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake.  Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Woodland Hills Memorial Park, 1605 Woodland Ave., Mankato, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Fairview Range Home Care and Hospice (fairview.org) or the Sarcoidosis Foundation (stopsarcoidosis.org).