Jennifer Kay Priest

Jennifer Kay Priest, 79, of Perry, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 4, 2026, at Eden Acres.

Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Perry Lutheran Homes, Eden Acres Campus – Great Room, located at 1300 28th Street, Perry, Iowa 50220. Burial will follow at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Memorials may be directed to the family to be dispersed at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jennifer was born on July 4, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Joe and Betty Pepples. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1964 and went on to study cosmetology at Bernel Hairstyling College in Fort Dodge.

In March of 1965, Jennifer met Wayne Priest through mutual friends. The two were married on July 3, 1965, in Fort Dodge and shortly thereafter began their life together in Perry, where they made their home and raised their family.

Throughout her career, Jennifer worked at several beauty shops and also did the residents’ hair at the Perry Lutheran Home, Perry Manor, and the Masonic Home. She later pivoted into real estate before concluding her professional life in property management. Jennifer retired on July 4, 2021.

Jennifer was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was blessed with three children: Tamara, Randal, and Michelle. An avid baker, Jennifer found great joy in sharing homemade treats with her community, especially during the holidays. Her favorite tradition was baking alongside her children and grandchildren.

She was deeply involved in her community and generously volunteered with her church, daycare, P.E.O., and other organizations. Jennifer also had a love for shopping and cherished her Friday night dinners and mall outings with her children and grandchildren.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Betty Pepples; her sisters, Kathy Pepples and Cynthia John; and her beloved dog, Max, who passed just days before her.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Wayne Priest; her children, Tamara Brittenham of Grimes, Randal Priest (Jen) of Perry, and Michelle Olson (Jason) of Grimes; her grandchildren, James (Lacy), Brooke, Katie, Jesse (Eva), Megan, Sydney (Connor), Spencer, and Cloe; and her great-grandchildren, Asher, Evy, Linkyn, Laney, and Tessa.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff, the Eden Acres team, Suncrest Hospice, and to all the loved ones who supported Wayne and Jennifer during the past several months.