Jennifer Lynn King

JENNIFER LYNN (nee HITTMEIER) KING, 38, of Chester, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and closest friends on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at her residence. She fought an eight year long battle of cancer with poise and grace that could be admired by any person who knew her.

She was born to Lawrence “Pete” and Patricia (nee Kingery) Hittmeier on January 1, 1982 in Galesburg, Illinois.

After high school, Jennifer fell in love with a man in the military, Jason King. They were married at Our Lady of Victory Church in Perryville, Missouri on February 7, 2004. They spent their lives traveling the United States. Jennifer and Jason was blessed to have a daughter – Kayden Beth and Jennifer spent her life with the one purpose of raising this girl to be of God, honor, strong morals and dignity.

Jennifer impacted the lives of families everywhere she went. Though Jennifer only had the on child, she had such a heart for children and made every child and adult feel as if they were the most important thing in the world while they were in her presence. She worked as a competition gymnastics coach for 15 years at US Gold Gymnastics and also provided private lessons. She had the honor and privilege of coaching our very own Chester Lady Jackets. Being a coach to Jennifer was not a job title but a responsibility that she held close to her heart and an opportunity to work one on one in the lives of children and young adults.

Jason and Jennifer opened The Muddy River Coffee Shop in her hometown after Jason retired from the US Coast Guard. Jennifer was passionate about having a safe gathering place for the youth to come together after school and enjoy time with each other in a protected environment and a spot that families can come together with a cheerful environment to bond over a great cup of coffee.

Jennifer was a member of Grace Church Ministries and a creator of the NRG outreach program. She loved to cook and poured her heart into any dish she made.

Survivors:

Husband:

Jason King

Daughter:

Kayden King

Mother:

Patricia Hittmeier

4 Siblings:

Robby Hittmeier

Gina (Eric) Bailey

Nikki Brant Lucas

Matthew Hittmeier

In-laws:

Darryl and Connie Pourney

Sister-in-law:

Amanda (Rocky) Barnett

Preceded in death: Father – Lawrence Hittmeier, Father-in-law – Terry King and Childhood Best Friend – Laura Beth Dierks

Jennifer made the choice to donate her body to medical science. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Jennifer would want to wait until we can all gather together in a safe environment and rejoice in honor of her and the amazing life she lived.

Memorials contributions can be made in Jennifer’s memory at Buena Vista Bank for Jason and Kayden King.