Jennifer Nicole LaRue

Jennifer LaRue Obituary Jennifer Nicole "Jen" LaRue, 43, of Wayzata, was called home to rest on Friday, February 21, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancera diagnosis that came only seven years after a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2017, followed by a slow but remarkable recovery. Jen put up the fight of a lifetime more than once, a survivor through and through. She was the first to say that challenges can coexist with a positive attitude and strong faitha testament to her extraordinary sisu (grit and resilience).
Born on May 4, 1981, to Cindy LaRue and Dave LaRue, Jen grew up in Minnetonka, MN, alongside her older brother, Rob, younger sister, Michelle, and countless lifelong friends. Her active childhood included a variety of interests, ranging from dance to figure skating, piano, and trying different sports. She developed a love for Germany after a childhood trip for her brothers hockey tournament, which inspired her to learn German. She proudly played on one of the first varsity girls hockey teams at Minnetonka High School and graduated from the University of Kansas in 2004 with a B.A. in Psychology. She went on to study Occupational Therapy at St. Catherine University, where her passion for working with and helping people began.
Jens life wildly flourished when she moved to Florida, where she worked alongside her dad, Dave, in entrepreneurial coaching and formed countless new friendships. Her charm and dynamism made a lasting impression on everyone who crossed her path. She cherished the opportunity to travel the world, exploring new cities with her mom, Cindy, and visiting her roots in Finland and Scandinavia with her mom and sister. Upon returning to Minnesota in recent years, she found fulfillment working and volunteering in assisted living and nursing home facilities, where the residents quickly became treasured friends.
Jen always looked forand always founda reason to celebrate life. After her aneurysm, it was the simple joys that brought her the greatest happiness: dining out, long drives with Chris, cuddling the dogs, feeding the birds, maintaining close connections with friends and family, and spending precious time with her nieces and nephews.
Jen was a bright light with an extraordinary gift for connection. Anyone who spent time with her felt Jens magnetic presence, her effortless ability to make you laugh, and her way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. She transformed strangers into friends and friends into family. Her life became a collection of unforgettable stories, each one highlighting her vibrant spirit, warmth, kindness, humor, and generosity. She is truly unforgettable.
In her final days, Jen was surrounded by everyone she loved, pouring love onto her, showering her with gifts, and making sure she knew how strong she was and how deeply she had impacted us all. She went peacefully and proudly. She shared what she considered her greatest accomplishments: loving all and being loved in return, her commitment to sobriety, and finding the love of her life, Chris.
Jennifer is survived by her soulmate, Christopher Cook; mother, Cindy LaRue; father, Dave LaRue (Lindsay); brother, Rob LaRue (Danielle); and sister, Michelle LaRue. She was a beloved aunt to her nieces, Alex, Frankie, and Laney, and her nephews, Luke and Colin.
She is preceded in death by her loving grandparents and great aunts and uncles.
Memorial service 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Wayzata Community Church, 125 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata with visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Reception to follow at Wayzata Country Club, 200 Wayzata Boulevard West, Wayzata.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Jennifers memory. Courage Kenny held a special place in her heart, as it was where she began the hard work of recovery after her aneurysm and where she met the love of her life, Chris.
https://secure.allinahealth.org/site/Donation
Memorials may also be directed to The Retreat, another organization that profoundly impacted Jennifers life where her sobriety began and where her memory continues to inspire others.
To donate via credit card, visit:
https://securepayment.link/theretreat/one-time-credit-card-donation
Or mail a check to:
Attention: Charles Vaubel, Financial Manager
The Retreat
1221 Wayzata Blvd E
Wayzata, MN 55391
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
March 4, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Wayzata Community Church
125 East Wayzata Blvd
Wayzata, MN 55391
Memorial Service
Tuesday
March 4, 2025
11:00 AM
Wayzata Community Church
125 East Wayzata Blvd
Wayzata, MN 55391 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jennifer Nicole LaRue, please visit our Tree Store.