Jennifer Michelle (Thomas) Waln, age 28 of Hibbing, died unexpectedly Friday, February 8, 2013 in the Fairview University Medical Center – Mesabi. She was born February 21, 1984 in Grand Rapids, MN the daughter of Norman Thomas and Cathleen Dyer she grew up in Grand Rapids and Hibbing. Jen moved to Wadena, MN. and married John Waln on February 14, 2009 in St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena, MN Jen had a passion for Art, and helping people. She was a Crohn's Disease Awareness Advocate; Jen was also named Administrator for the Crohn's Disease Forum. Jen was a Leader in the Positive Pal Mentoring Program, and was honored as a United Way Youth Hero of the Year for her volunteer work. Through her passion for volunteering, Jen was "so much to so many". Jen was an Artist. She put her skills to use through design, creativity, and a love for Art.
Jennifer is survived by her husband: John of Hibbing formerly Wadena; mother: Cathy Dyer of Hibbing; brothers: Jeremy Thomas of Bemidji and Allairck Thomas of Grand Rapids; sisters: Jamie Thomas (Eric Augustin) of Hibbing, Chauntae Polensky of Mound, MN and Margaret Thomas of Grand Rapids; Grandmother: Margaret (Figgins) Thomas of Grand Rapids; aunts and uncles: Tia (Paul) Wirtanen of Grand Rapids, Krickett Thomas-Robbins of Grand Rapids, Bonney Dyer of Plymouth, MA, and Rickey Dyer of Faribault, MN; nieces and nephew: Ariyah and Zoe Thomas of Bemidji and Kadin Augustin of Hibbing; mother and father-in-law: Myron "Butch" and Gloriann Waln of Wadena; sisters and brothers-in-law: Brenda & Tom Hahn of Sebeka, Bobbi & Dan Richards of Staples, and Keith & Tammy Waln of Wadena; many other extended family and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her father: Norman "Bill" Thomas; grandparents: George Dyer, Norman Thomas, and Mary Lou Dyer; an uncle: Jay Willis and two children in infancy.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Friday, February 15, 2013 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grand Rapids from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass. Reverend Fathers Jerome Weiss and Gabriel Waweru will concelebrate the Mass.
Memorials are preferred in place of floral arrangements.
Family services provided by Anderson-Daniels, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Born: February 21, 1984 Place of Birth: Grand Rapids, MN Death: February 8, 2013 Place of Death: Hibbing, MN Gathering Time for Family and Friends Friday February 15, 2013 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Memorial Mass Friday February 15, 2013 , 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church
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