Jennifer R. Cantine died Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at her home in Decorah, Iowa.

Born in Gladbrook, Iowa on December 5, 1948 to parents Richard & Marjorie Rugg, Jennifer joined her sister Judy, family dog Hertha Von Bettendorf, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As a young child, Jennifer was instinctively drawn to theatre and the performing arts. Her family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she attended Price Lab School and excelled in music and drama programs.

Completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa, Jennifer taught elementary music for several years before completing her master's degree at the University of Iowa. She then transitioned to a career in public radio at KUNI FM 90.9. Known then as Jennifer Alt, she produced "Live from Studio One" and other programs.

After leaving KUNI, Jennifer moved to the World Press Institute (WPI) in Saint Paul, MN. There, she traveled the world, inviting foreign journalists to the United States to experience American culture and take their experiences and impressions back to their home countries.

After leaving WPI, she spent 27 years teaching Public Speaking and radio broadcast courses at Luther College, retiring in 2014. Perhaps her favorite thing about this time period was managing and mentoring 'wacky' and talented students at the Luther radio station, KWLC 1240 AM. She loved their unique personalities, more than once reminding them of things one can't say on air!

With an irreverent and strong character, Jennifer had a voracious appetite for life. She deeply loved a good book, music, travel, and food. She easily made strangers into close and memorable friends. Making sure all felt genuinely welcomed and accepted was her strong suit.

Above all, Jennifer loved her family more than anything.

She leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Tim; daughter, Lauren; sons through marriage, Andrew (Kasey) and Aaron (Jenni); grandchildren, Betsy, Ione, Nels, and Nara Cantine; sister, Judy Benson and family; and two amazing grandpuppies, Juan Bravo & Ernie. She also leaves behind many close friends and other dear family.

A gathering for friends and family will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the organizations Jennifer strongly valued: Decorah Public Library, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and Doctors Without Borders.