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Jennifer Pulse-Rafuse Obituary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Jennifer Lynn Pulse-Rafuse died Saturday, October 27, 2007, at St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Jennifer was born September 30, 1976 in Rapid City, S.D. to Philip and Nancy Pulse. Jennifer attended high school at Rapid City Central and married Bill Rafuse on November 12, 1994. Jennifer moved to Kansas City, Mo. in the summer of 2005 where she worked as an Optometric Assistant. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Philip and Nancy Pulse of Bloomington Minn.; her husband Bill Rafuse, of Kansas City, Mo.; three loving daughters, Leigh Alexandra, Halie Jean, Ivy Serine, of Kansas City, Mo.; her sister Jamie Alexander and brother Justin Pulse, both of Rapid City, S.D.; grandparents Robert and Betty Pulse of Platte S.D., grandmother Marge Dominiack, of Oacoma S.D.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins, and friends all of whom loved her very much. Mount Mariah Terrace Park Funeral Home of Kansas City, Mo. assisted with arrangements. Jennifer's ashes will rest peacefully with her parents in Bloomington, Minn. until her ashes can be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Platte, S.D. in the spring of 2008, at which time a celebration of her life will take place. In the words of Jennifer's eldest daughter "Everyone loved my mama."

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Published by Rapid City Journal on Nov. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Pulse-Rafuse

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Jamie Alexander

October 3, 2008

Oh Jenny how I miss you so much. I wish I could have let you know how much I appreciated you. There is an empty place in my heart that hurts without you. I always looked to you for your wisdom and advice. I miss speaking with you. You have such a wise wonderful old soul; you always had a special way of looking at things. I just want to thank you for everything during our time here together. There will never be another person in my life like you; you were so much more than a sister. Justin and I were so lucky to have you. Thank you. Sorry that I am late- Happy Birthday.

Philip & Nancy Pulse

September 30, 2008

Jenny, you are in our thoughts daily, we miss you, oh how we miss you. We get some peace from the thought that God has taken you to a better place and had a good reason to take you for his own. The girls are getting on with their lives, but as you know they miss you so much, but it is getting better for them as time goes on. Your mother and I have an empty place in our hearts that only you could fill but we continue on. We feel that your final resting place is a beautiful place, well taken care of by gramma and grandpa. We know you enjoy them coming and mowing the cemetery and watching over you and all the loved ones that left before. Happy Birthday, Dear Jenny.

Grandmother Betty Pulse

September 29, 2008

Jennifer would have been 32 years old Sept 30. Too young, and much
loved to be gone from us

Grandma Farm

Betty Pulse

July 7, 2008

July 5 we buried Jenny's ashes in
Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Torrey Lake township in Brule County north
of Platte SD, Her family, grandparents Aunts & Uncles, cousins, and many friends gathered
to say Goodbye. A picnic & celebration of her life was held at her
Uncle Don & Donna Dominiack's farm
south of chamberlain.

Stephanie Sharp

December 2, 2007

Some people come into our lives and move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. That would be you Jenny! You have been transformed from the caterpillar of earth to the butterfly of the universe and again one day our paths will cross…until then I will miss you.

Sharman Swanson

November 22, 2007

You all are in my thoughts and prayers, at this time and always!With all my LOVE

Julie Thomas

November 22, 2007

Jen,
A person gets blessed only a few times in their life with true friends like you. I will cherish all the wonderful memories I have with you. You brought a smile to my face many times. You always enjoyed it when I was in pain (toenail and nearly cut off finger) you know what i'm talking about. You will ALWAYS be in my heart and I am so thankful to be one of the lucky people to have been one of your friends. I'll love you always. Leaving behind Lee, Haley and Ivy, who are a spitting image of you, will let you live forever in me. I will be there for them and I would have it no other way. I hope you will come to me in my dreams because I am not ready to let you go, nor do I think I will ever be. I miss you!!
Your best friend always, Julie

AYIEKO DORSEY

November 21, 2007

JEN has left behind many moments that will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. She was wise in many areas far beyond her years. Phil, Nancy,Bill,Leigh,Haillie, Ivy my heart and my prayers go out to you all. Please know Jen will be missed but she is not gone she is just away. And she is living on through each of you. God bless you all and if you need anything please don't hesitate to call me.

Kristi Thompson

November 20, 2007

I can't even imagine saying good bye. Jenny was a very beautiful girl. Her daughters look like Jen. I'm pretty sure Grandpa is with her and there watching over her daughters. They are lucky girls to have special angels watching over them. My heart goes out to your family. My prayers are with you all love ya.

antwun hackler

November 20, 2007

Jen was one of the greatest individuals with open mind and open heart to accept all ideas,views, and was always willing to listen and offer an honest opinion no matter the circumstance. She definitely stood true to the fact that they aren't all bad, and it was just as amazing that she held that same attitude towards myself. From my family(The HACKLERS) to yours, JEN Rafuse, our prayers go out to your family in this disheartening time, but it was always said that when GOD calls you home, it's due to the shortage of angels in HIS midst. With love T1N

November 18, 2007

Jenny you will be truly missed by everyone, you were very special to so many people. you will always be in our hearts, especially in those of your mother and father, and your three beautiful daughters. i'm sure grandpa will take care of you now. Phil, Nancy, Justin, Jamie, Bill, Leigh, Halie, and Ivy there are no words to help you through this difficult time, just know we love you.
Norman, Kandy, Matt,Brittney Rose
Oacoma SD

Tracey Thorsfeldt

November 16, 2007

I can't even describe the pain and emptiness I feel losing Jen. She and I became instant friends the first day we met. We worked together at the Timberlodge Steakhouse in Bloomington, MN and were far more than "coworkers". We were like sisters, instant family, as we called ourselves. She always told me God sent me to her, when really, I think I was by far the lucky one, for He sent her to me! For the years she was here in MN we raised our children together as though we were one family. Jen and I had a bond and a connection I have never felt with anyone before. I have looked at her 3 beautiful girls as though they were my own. Jen and I had quite a few "stories" that had people talking for...well that people still talk. She is the most positive, optimistic person I have ever met. I will feel an emptiness in my heart for her forever. And I made a promise to her many many times that I would always look out for her "girls", and I intend to do so. Phil, Nancy, Bill, Leigh, Hallie, and Ivy, my heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathies.
I love you all!
Tracey Thorsfeldt
Hey Jen....say hi to Mitch for me, and I am sure he didn't get the "last laugh" after all! See you both when I get there!

Angela Mutziger

November 15, 2007

I can't even put into words how difficult it is to be typing goodbye to Jennifer. She had so much inner strength and courage. Her passion for her girls and motherhood was inspiring. I will think of Jennifer often and always remember her beautiful smile. I know that Grandpa will take very good care of her. All my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Angela Mutziger

Stephanie Staatz, O.D.

November 15, 2007

Although I had only known Jennifer a few months through work, I was impressed with her kindness and professionalism. We were devastated to hear of her death. She will be missed by all at the vision center. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

November 14, 2007

Jennifer you will be missed by so many people. i remember when you would come to the motel and you would say gramma & grampa motel, and then go on to the farm to see gramma & grampa farm. I'll always remember how you loved to talk about your girls. you will be missed by many, you now have grampa babe and uncle bill to look over you. Grandma Marge Dominiack Oacoma sd.

Jade Vinyard-Kinzler

November 11, 2007

Jenni was my best friend ever. She was the half of me that was always missing. She completed my thoughts and always new how to make me feel better and share my excitement. I would do anything for her and have. We had plans....plans to grow old together and help eachother as our family and friends passed on...plans to watch our children grow...plans to make fun of each other inour walkers and wheelchairs. Jenni was always the one who would offer to get youa Dr. Pepper and bring it back with salt in it. And her laugh after you took a drink and spit it everywhere was priceless. She had one of the greatest senses of humor i've ever known on anyone. She made fun of me daily and I will miss it like you couldn't possibly understand. She always kept me humble and down to earth. Sometimes through her laughter and sometimes through her caring and tears. There were many times when I was having a problem and she would call me later and say "I took care of it Jade. Don't even worry about it." The last person I ever thought i'd lose was jenni. When you've been friends for so long it seems unrealistic that you would ever lose that person. jenni and I always said how lucky we were to have eachother. I know she is still with me. Every time I hit my head I know she probably moved the shelf into me. Everytime I drive down the road I see her right next to me with her beautiful smile, offering me a lighter that doesn't work. And when I close my eyes at night I hear her telling me always to help her husband, protect her girls, and stay close to her parents. I love you Jenners, I miss you incredibly, and if 20 years is all we got.....we still have a lifetime in eternity. Put in a good word for me......

Bill Rafuse

November 9, 2007

my love for u is so intense it hurts ill think of allways and never forget you . positive and encouiging you have always been your girls and i will survive proud and dominant nere quit and push on no matter what

Linda Gibson-McMahon

November 9, 2007

Jennifer was a beautiful girl, and the best baby sitter ever. She saved many times when I needed someone in the last minute to take care of Cassie. May your find peace and in love in the memories you cherish. God Bless

melissa quinn-kelly

November 9, 2007

my thought and prayers are with jen's family she was very loved melissa

leigh rafuse

November 9, 2007

i loved my mother very very very very much and every day i think about her and i know that she is always her with me and my sisters halie and ivy. even no that she did things that were not as wise she always had good thoughts and she new that she always had every one that loved her. i no for a matter of fact that she was the most inmportant to me my sisters and of course my dad. my dad is always talking about her in a good way because he loved her the most out of anyone. my grandparents alway have loved them and they always make sure that we were all safe and had no problems i would like to say THANK YOU to every one that has helped me and the family like my grandparents, walmart, jamie and my WHOLE family. i always pray for her every night to say that i love her and say goodnight lke i always do and i even give her a hug and i can feel her exact spirit that i always felt. my sisters love her and do the exact same thing. i cared about soooooooooo much and i hope that she RESTS IN PEACE.

i love you mom

Debbie, Bob, Ryan, and Nikki Bennett

November 9, 2007

Jenny was a beautiful and loving person.One of the proudest moms I've ever known. Whenever I saw her all she talked about were her girls. I'm sure she is with her Grampa right now telling him all about them.We love and miss you Jenny. Nancy, Phil, and the rest of Jenny's family our hearts go out to you. WE love you.

Amy Roberts

November 7, 2007

When I first met Jen, we had an instant connection. She was a fun loving, kind spirited soul. I'll always remember the nights she sat at my house and we would listen to country music and laugh all night long. And she always had the best stories to share, she had such a zest for life and just watching her look at her girls..how proud she was of all of them...she was a great person, Mother and friend. She will be deeply missed by everyones lives she touched... My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. We'll always miss you Jen!! xxoo

Shawn McQuistion

November 7, 2007

Phil,Nancy & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She is in a better place now will Bill. My heart goes out to you all.
Love Shawn McQuistion
Chamberlain, SD

Melanie Laverman

November 7, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes out to Phil, Nancy, Jamie, Justin, Bill, Leigh, Halie, and Ivy. The memories I have of Jenny make me smile, and I hope your memories bring you some joy amid the pain.

gary dominiack

November 6, 2007

jennifer will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. when ever we think of jennifer, we need look no further then her three beautiful girls for jennifer is in all three of them. our loss is heavens gain.

Cindy Myers

November 6, 2007

Our Thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my deepest sympathy
Cindy Myers

Derek Alexander

November 5, 2007

Jenny was a fun spirited, intellectual, and compassionate person. She lived her life for her three little angels. Our hearts are with her girls and the rest of the family. I am confident that with the strength of the family and with Jenny watching over them the girls will be fine. May the memory of their mother forever be in their hearts as I am positive that it will be.

Jamie Alexander

November 5, 2007

Jenny,
I am very lucky to have you as my sister. Thank you for everything. I love you and miss you.
Love, Jamie

Denise Perryman

November 5, 2007

Jenny and I became instant friends long before we even knew how much we had in common. She shared her optimism and zest for life with everyone and everything she did, she put her whole heart into. I am sure that the girls treasured that in their mother. What a shock to have lost someone that was once such a dear friend. My heart goes out to all of you.

Alexa Stulken

November 5, 2007

Jenny was beautiful inside and out-an unforgettable soul who was loved by many. I will always hold our times together growing up as kids and the trips to visit Grandma and Grandpa "Farm" and "Motel" so very dear to my heart. I miss you, Jenny...your smile will be with me always and forever in my heart.

Cyndi Goetze

November 5, 2007

Words can't begin to express how very sorry we are for your loss. Jenny and Ali were friends from the time they were little girls, and my first rememberance of Jenny was seeing her outside on the sidewalk on Idlewood Drive in that pretty red velvet coat and muff--what a beautiful little girl. I felt especially honored to be able to help Nancy with her wedding many years later. She was a beautiful girl and a wonderful mother and will be missed very much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fred and Cyndi

Jody Pulse

November 5, 2007

Jennifer, how I miss, as does everyone that knew and loved you. I find it hard to believe your not here anymore. I know you live on through everyone who loves. I also know God will take very good care of you. Until we meet again I Love You Always, and will miss you much. Love Jody

Dan Pulse

November 5, 2007

All of the Sundays and holidays spent together over the many years hold many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. Jennifer will always be in our hearts. Dan and Linda Pulse

Ann Thiel

November 5, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. May the memories you have help you thru these days.
Boyd & Ann

Vickie Brennan

November 5, 2007

My heart is heavy with sadness that Jennifer has left this world! She will be missed my so many people, but I will always remember her great smile! I like to think that she & her Uncle Bill are together and they are happy with no more pain.

Staci Jonson

November 5, 2007

What a wonderful cousin and friend. You will be in my heart forever!

Martin and Arlene Ketelsen

November 4, 2007

We were so very sorry to hear about your daughter dying so suddenly. Please accept our sincere condolences. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Because we care, Martin and Arlene Ketelsen

Bob & Betty Pulse

November 4, 2007

We remember all the summer days you
brightened the day with your happy
laugh and singing along with the tractor radio. Then; the joy you had when Leigh, Haley & Ivy were
born. Love, Grandpa & Grandma Pulse

Bob & Marianne Houkom

November 4, 2007

It has been a week and a day now since you left us, and it seems no more real than it did during that long night vigil at the hospital. We have fond memories of your smile and kind, gentle ways which will live on in your three beautiful daughters for you taught them well. What a privilege to claim you as "our niece."
Love,

Tim and Linda Clarke

November 4, 2007

Our whole family is so sad to hear that Jennifer has died. We looked at pictures this morning and remembered Jennifer as a girl spending time with our daughter Terri. She was a sweet girl and we were lucky to have known her.
God Bless you all. We'll keep you and especially her children in our prayers. Wishing you our deepest sympathy.

Philip & Nancy Pulse

November 4, 2007

We miss you and hold you in our hearts forever. Thank you God for the 31 years that you gave her to us.

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