Jensyn Marcella Salvevold, age 6, of Becker, MN, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.  

Jensyn was born on September 9, 2016, to Pastor Chris and Kristin Salvevold and joined her seven siblings. Shortly after birth, she was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Trisomy 5p. This rare condition affected her body in a variety of ways. She suffered from seizures, was oxygen dependent, relied on nourishment from a feeding tube, developed a degenerative brain disease, and struggled with complications from frequent infections and a weakened immune system.  

The hospital became a second home for Jensyn. In her six years of life, she spent 322 days as a patient, with her longest stay being 40 days. She had a total of 26 rides in an ambulance and averaged at least one appointment a week with one of her 20 specialists. Jensyn was on 20 daily medications and more when she got sick. She loved her nurse, Denice Freih, and was the best boss to her staff – her sister-in-law, Sidney; her sister, Maci; and her brother, Tygen. Jensyn received around-the-clock care and each member of her family was involved in meeting her many needs.

Ultimately, Jensyn’s cause of death was from ongoing respiratory failure, septic shock, and acute renal failure. Her entire family was with her at the time of her passing. It was a privilege to serve Jensyn in her life, and it was an honor to be able to take her all the way to the gates of heaven as she entered into eternal life with Jesus.  

Since Jensyn’s body was continually fighting so many things, she was often tired. Early on, we dubbed her our sloth, and quickly, sloths became her thing. Over the years, she collected over 40 friends, even though her all-time favorite snuggle buddy was actually her stuffed puppy named Latte.

Jensyn was physically known by few, but she was loved by so many. Her team of prayer warriors was enormous and existed all over the world. She had a special place in the hearts of her doctors and nurses that can only be explained by the unfolding of God’s unique plan for her life. Each doctor claimed her condition a mystery, but they witnessed her miracles – she beat death several times in her sweet, short life. Over and over God stepped in and showed His glory through the life of this girl.

Loving her most are her brothers and sisters who believe Jensyn to be life’s biggest blessing. They sacrificed birthdays, family trips, and other special occasions because, collectively, we all did whatever it took to keep Jensyn healthy. Jensyn was also an aunt. Because Sidney took care of her, Jensyn got to spend time with her nephew, Crosby, and her niece, Sadie, several times a week. They loved to crawl in her bed and cuddle with her or play with her sloths.  

Jensyn is survived by her parents; her siblings, Max (Sidney) Salvevold; Maci (Chase) Klotz; Tygen, Tate, Brinkley, Britlyn, and Jakely; her nephew, Crosby; her niece, Sadie; her grandparents, Lowell and Linda Salvevold and Pat and Sally Mertens; her aunts and uncles, Jeff (Lori) Mertens; Brenda (Mike) Huglen; Tim (Dara) Salvevold; and her cousins, Jaxen and Adam Mertens, Jonah (Eden) Huglen, Aaron (Madelynn) Huglen, Paul Huglen, Hadley, Rhet, and Beck Salvevold.

Jensyn’s Celebration of Life will be at Riverside Church in Big Lake, MN, on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., with visitation happening prior to the service at 3:45 p.m. Following the service there will be a time of reflection and refreshments. Interment will be on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Becker, MN.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation that will allow us to create a legacy for Jensyn. An account has been set up at CorTrust Bank in Monticello or checks can be given directly to the family. It is our hope to continue telling her story in some capacity as we believe God is not finished with it yet.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.