KAAK Jennifer Anne, born May 4, 1969 in Ann Arbor, MI, died on Aug. 26, 2018 after a courageous fourteen month battle with cancer. Jennifer was a graduate of Tates Creek High School and Auburn University Veterinary School. Her love of animals was evident at a young age and continued throughout her life. Horses were her passion; in her teen years she competed in eventing with her beloved thoroughbred, Bush Hunter. Jennifer worked at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for many years prior to vet school and returned there for an internship after graduating from vet school in 2005. Jennifer loved the sport of horse racing, and had the thrill of one of her horses winning a race at Keeneland in 2011. Jennifer worked as an equine veterinarian throughout her career and had a tender heart for any animal in need (any cat in need of a home seemed to find its way to Jennifer). She was known for her vast knowledge of horses and gift of handling them with such ease. Her smile, wonderful sense of humor, and strength persevered even through the toughest of times in her battle with cancer. Jennifer was able to fully live life and care for her horses until the very end. She touched the lives of many people with her kindness and warmth. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Dr. Otto and Kay Kaak of Lexington; brother, David Kaak (Vicky) of Stamping Ground; sister, Kirsten Adair (Rance) of Lexington; five nieces and nephews: Benjamin Adair, Nicholas Kaak, Emily Kay Adair, Ella Kaak, and Ainsley Adair; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family would like to thank all of Jennifer's dear friends who have been so incredibly helpful and supportive, all of her colleagues at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for their tremendous generosity, love and support, and for the wonderful team of physicians and nurses who cared for her. A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington on Fri., Aug. 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon celebration of Jennifer's life to follow. Donations in Jennifer's name requested to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance or HOPE spay and neuter clinic. www.milwardfuneral.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Aug. 29, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Kaak

Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.

20 Entries

Barbara Bielefeld Winkler

January 18, 2025

I met Jennifer years ago when her grandma Maggie DeYoung passed away. I remember her being a sweet and sensitive young woman with a passion for horses,which I shared with her. I was so sorry to hear of her death-What a loss to her friends and family and to those in the veterinary profession where she made great contributions.My prayers go out to her family.

Matt Zwick

July 31, 2019

Very sad to hear about Jennifer's passing. I went to undergraduate with her for many years but lost touch after graduation. She was an outstanding human being and I'm sure she was a wonderful, caring DVM. RIP.

Jenny Allgier

September 9, 2018

So sorry to hear of Jennifer's passing. She was truly a kind and beautiful person. Sending prayers for all.

Karen Crouch

September 6, 2018

I'll never forget your smile and spirit, RIP sweet Jennifer, I will miss you !

Jimmy Whayne

September 3, 2018

My condolences to Jennifers family and all her friends! She was a great person and many fond memories portray her kindness and intelligence. My heart and thoughts go out to Jennifer and her family!

Katie Hamrick

September 2, 2018

Rest in peace Jen. I treasure the memories of you I have from vet school and how you always had the amazing ability to make all around you smile and feel good. My deepest condolences to the family and close friends of this loving, caring woman.

John Gaver

August 31, 2018

Was crushed to learn about Jennifers passing...I got to know her on the racetrack, and her love for and dedication to all animals was unprecedented. Condolences to all of her family. Rest In Peace.

Bonnie&Ron Crandall

August 31, 2018

Otto and Kay, our hearts weep with yours in the passing of your daughter.

There is much we cannot understand about the twists and turn of our time on this earth. And yet after reading Jennifer's obituary, it is evident that, while her life was shorter than we would desire, it was a life that made a difference - both to the animals she cared so deeply for, and also for those to whom she offered her friendship and caring heart. And a life that makes a difference is a life worth giving thanks for.

Dear and gracious God, we give thanks for the life of Jennifer Kaak...

Bonnie&Ron Crandall

Ashley Musgrave Rushing

August 30, 2018

Jennifer was a childhood friend through high school. I had not seen her since about 1993, but as young girls we shared a love of animals, and I loved spending time at the Kaak household; it was such a wonderful place to be as a child; with kittens being born in the closet and Jennifer's mother taking care of foster babies. I have often thought of my childhood visiting the Kaak household. Especially as I began taking care my own animals on much smaller scale than it appears Jennifer has, and as a parent teaching my children to love and care for animals. Those memories of the Kaak home helped me follow my heart, especailly when adopting more and then more animals. Jennifer was always smiling in my memory, especially in a memory of us caring for some tiny orphaned squirrels we found in elementary school in a tree in my back yard. Her life is a gift to anyone who knew her, and to the importance of the love of animals and the connections we share with them all.

john gerbas

August 30, 2018

What a great person and animal lover Jen was. Heaven has gained a courageous person who devoted her life to horses and many other animals. In May, Jen said: "I feel good" but my numbers are bad. She was a trooper to the end. RIP Jen, you will be dearly missed !

Lora Cuckler

August 30, 2018

Dr. Kaak and Miss Kay,
I'm sad to hear about Jennifer's passing. I'm thinking about you and wishing you comfort and peace.

Carol E. Leet

August 30, 2018

Kay and Otto,
I am so sorry for the recent loss of your dear daughter, Jennifer. I know what it's like to lose a child and my heart is with you in your time of sorrow.
Take care,
Cookie

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Roslyn Young

August 30, 2018

Otto and Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I am praying for you and the entire family that God's peace will surround you in such a difficult time!

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Sue Fluhr, DVM

August 29, 2018

There are many animal friends in heaven welcoming Jen. They will care for her spirt as she cared for theirs.

Lisa Fernandez

August 29, 2018

I got to know Jennifer while working on the racetrack. She was such a lovely young woman. I am devastated for everyone's loss of such a beautiful, compassionate human being. Fly high without pain and I hope that there are animals of all kinds for you to take care of. Until we meet again.