Jennifer Van Briesen

Jennifer Marie Van Briesen, 61, of Sioux Center, Iowa, peacefully passed away at home on September 24th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Service arrangements are pending and will be updated Monday afternoon. 

To celebrate her life and her meaningful work at Kinsey, we are focusing on a wonderful idea she had for her memorial. In lieu of flowers, we are inviting donations to go towards new playground equipment for the sensory area. People may send cash or a check written to the Sioux Center Community Schools (550 9th St NE, Sioux Center IA 51250) and note it is a donation for the Jennifer Van Briesen Memorial Fund.

Born on May 25, 1965, in Worthington, Minnesota, she was the cherished daughter of Dr. Roy Nielsen Jr. and Louise Nielsen. Jennifer shared an extraordinarily close, beautiful relationship with her mother, who was truly her ultimate inspiration in life. On May 23, 1987, Jennifer was united in marriage to Todd, and together they built a life rooted in absolute devotion to their family. Throughout their 39 wonderful years of marriage, they raised two children, Chyann and Corbin. Later in life, Jennifer found immense joy in becoming a grandmother, and her grandchildren were the absolute light of her life.

Jennifer’s faith and daily devotion were the cornerstone of her life. Possessing a profound love for all children, she held a particularly deep and special place in her heart for the children with disabilities at Kinsey Elementary. Jennifer was also an avid lover of the outdoors and found deep peace in nature. She loved her dogs, took great delight in traveling on family vacations, and cherished long walks and hiking trails with her kids. She was happiest when visiting with her family, loving on her nieces and nephews, watching the sunrises and sunsets, or simply sitting on her backyard porch listening to the birds and watching the squirrels.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Todd; her two children, Chyann Zevenbergen and Corbin Van Briesen; her three adored grandchildren, Audrey and Leighton Zevenbergen, and Prynce Van Briesen; her loving siblings and their families: Roy Nielsen III [Drew]; Elva Nielsen [Brian]; Tom Nielsen; Karen Miedema (Larry) and her family: Stephanie Den Herder (Kyle) [Taya, Hudson], Nathan Miedema (Becky) [Bennett, Alex], David Miedema [Jayden], and Mark Miedema; and Jean-Paul Nielsen [Gabrielle, Liam]; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Van Briesen; her husband’s siblings and their families: Nancy Van Briesen [Marcus, Madison], Cindy York [Courtney], and Arlin Van Briesen [Ashley]; and a large, loving network of extended family and dear friends.