Jennifer Ann Bjorhus, 59, died peacefully at home on August 9, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma.
 Jenny was born August 25, 1964, in Litchfield, the youngest of three daughters born to K. Russel and Marjorie Bjorhus. Her curious mind, determination and imaginative spirit led to many early adventures in the neighborhood including scaling the maple tree in the backyard to watch the world from up high, bringing a muskrat home from the swampy lot across the street, organizing parades down Holcombe Ave., and riding her banana bike out to Lake Ripley to swim and catch fish. As she grew up, she excelled in all that there was to do in that small town, including winning awards for theatre and music at Litchfield High School.
 After high school Jennifer attended Carleton College, majoring in English Language and Literature/Letters, followed by a short stint in public relations, before ultimately deciding to pursue journalism as her career. At University of California, Berkeley, she earned her MJ and MA in Journalism and Asian Studies while falling in love with the west coast. She was a newspaper reporter there for eight years, starting as a general assignment reporter at The Seattle Times before covering business for The Oregonian and San Jose Mercury News. Her work took her to many countries, including Nicaragua, Mexico, Albania and India.
 In 2002, she returned to Minnesota, covering the business beat for The St. Paul Pioneer Press for six years before joining Minneapolis Star Tribune. During her nearly 16 years at the Strib, she excelled in watchdog reporting, covering business, criminal justice and the environment, and winning numerous awards and recognition. In 2018, she and her colleagues were Pulitzer Prize finalists for their series “Denied Justice”, which exposed breakdowns in Minnesota’s investigation and prosecution of rape cases. That same year she was named Journalist of the Year by the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2021 she was part of the team that won the Pulitzer for reporting on George Floyd. The significant professional recognition and the respect of her colleagues was deeply appreciated, but what mattered most to her was the impact her reporting had on the community she served.
 Jennifer was most passionate about her last beat as an environmental reporter for the Star Tribune, covering a wide range of topics including climate change, environmental conservation, and the impact of human activities on local ecosystems. She loved getting out into the Minnesota landscape for her reporting, including trying to find the elusive lynx.
 In 2005, Jenny married Ranjit Kesha, her beloved, and with his son Parthan they welcomed baby Kai in 2008 – completing the family Jen had always dreamed of. Their St. Paul yard was filled with native plants, and their house was full of good books, delicious food, music and two beloved cats. She was a wonderful hostess and talented cook, and an invitation to dinner at their home was a real treat. Her talents were many – she had a natural sense of style, an innate elegance, and wry sense of humor. She was a determined Scrabble player, terrific dancer (could do a great Beyonce imitation), and an excellent conversationalist who was truly interested in other people. Most of all, Jenny was a loving, supportive wife and a fiercely devoted mom.
 Her brain cancer diagnosis in November 2023 was a terrible shock. In these months of heartbreaking struggle, the outpouring of love and support from Jennifer’s family and wide circle of friends and neighbors was truly incredible, and a testament to the impact her life had on so many.
 Jennifer is survived by her husband Ranjit Kesha, sons Kai and Parthan (Kayla Franklin), her mother Marjorie Bjorhus, sisters Lori (David) Johnson, and Kari Bjorhus (Ken Carlson), and her nephews Lance Johnson (Emily), Evan Johnson (Allie), Noah Carlson and Nick Carlson (Ernie Darby), and so many friends.  Memorials in lieu of flowers are preferred to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) or Conservation Corps of MN and IA (www.conservationcorps.org). Friends are also invited to plant a native shrub or tree in Jenn’s memory. Memorial service celebrating Jennifer’s life will be held at Unity Church, 733 Portland Ave. St. Paul, on August 30 at 1 p.m. All are welcome.