Jennifer Lynn Madel

Jennifer Lynn Madel, 34, was welcomed into heaven on October 7, 2009, by Marissa and Grandma and Grandpa Ilk. She was born on January 13, 1975, to Len and Pat Madel, in Oshkosh, WI. Jenny is survived by her parents, Len and Pat Madel, her sister Becky Madel, her brother Paul (Veronique) Madel, her cherished nieces Taylor and Payton Madel, her grandmother Arvilla Madel, wonderful, caring aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends. Preceding her in death were Marissa Marx, maternal grandparents Herb and Jo Ilk, and paternal grandparent Joseph Madel. Her two precious nieces Taylor and Payton were the world to her, they were like her own two children. They enjoyed many sleepovers, shopping trips, and just hanging out. There wasn't an athletic event the girls participated in that she didn't try her hardest to make. She attended Sunset School, Merrill Middle School, North High School, and UW-O. Jenny was employed by J.J. Keller, a company of wonderful people and friends. She fought so hard the last eighteen months to overcome lung cancer. Having never smoked a day in her life, we'll always wonder where the monster came from, but God must have wanted her with Him. Jenny lived her short life to the fullest. Shopping, traveling, having fun where ever she was, and always giving of herself to others. During her eighteen month journey she was constantly encouraged and supported by family and friends, which helped make the journey a bit easier. None of us could have survived without all of you. What a blessing all of you were! Jenny traveled through her journey with dignity, humor, and not many complaints. She was an inspiration to so many people and touched so many lives during her short time on earth. All this helped us get through this nightmare. In August she spent a weekend in New York City with her lifelong friend Kristen. They had a great time shopping, site seeing, and seeing a Broadway show. It seemed as if God gave her that weekend, because she was on a ventilator a week later at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Illinois. Once she got off the ventilator we took her home. Everyone rallied behind us and Jenny had constant company at her apartment. In September she and her sister Becky were to travel to San Diego, but they couldn't make it. On October 4th she had plans to sky dive, which was not possible either, so she decided that on that day we would have a Celebration of Life Party. Her thought was that she wanted to be at her celebration rather than watching from heaven and her wished were honored. The party was a huge success, she managed to stay for one hour to see family and friends. Per Jenny's request there will be no services. Her farewell was at her party. A special thank you to all of our family and Jenny's dear friends who helped us take care of her during her illness, especially the last six weeks. Thanks to Affinity Hospice especially Lori, Pat, Tammy, Paula, and Barb. Jenny was a unique person who touched so many lives. She will be forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Now as Jenny would say to me "It's time for Marissa and I to go shopping."