Jennifer Doreen Hatfield

Jennifer Doreen Hatfield

A free spirit, a loving mother, and a collector of songs, seashells, and beautiful little moments

Jennifer Doreen Hatfield, age 38, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2026. She was born on February 1, 1988, in Austin, Minnesota, to Allan Ardell Hatfield and Shain Doreen Fallstrom. She was remembered from the very beginning as the first baby born in Austin during Dental Health Month that year, an occasion that earned her a silver toothbrush and a place in the newspaper.

Jennifer moved through life with a free spirit, a generous heart, and a deep, steady love for her children. She was the proud and devoted mother of Livianna, River, and Keanu, and so much of her world centered around caring for them with intention, patience, and love. She kept detailed schedules, notes about meals and routines, and thoughtful overnight lists, always wanting her children to feel safe, prepared, and wrapped in care. In busy or tender moments, she would remind them to pause, take a deep breath, practice patience, and choose kindness. When her children were little, she made a point to sing them songs every night, including Mercedes Benz by Janis Joplin and Blackbird by the Beatles.

Her home and notebooks were filled with positive affirmations, little reminders of hope, courage, and light. Jennifer believed in encouragement, mindfulness, and finding beauty in everyday moments—the kind of beauty found in a favorite song, a handwritten note, a shared laugh, or a seashell brought home from somewhere special.

Music, travel, and adventure were woven through Jennifer’s life. She loved the ocean. Jennifer loved many kinds of music, and especially enjoyed the Geneva music festivals, where she not only listened and celebrated, but also helped clean up the grounds alongside her friend Jesse, the owner.

Her love of travel began early, during her eleventh grade year, she was a People to People student ambassador. With money she had saved and help from family, she traveled to several European countries, a trip she cherished deeply. Years later, when Livianna dreamed of going to Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer told her they could go if Livianna learned some of the language. Livianna did just that, and together they saved for the trip. They returned with seashells from Puerto Rico—small treasures that Livianna now has and will cherish always.

Jennifer was active and spirited in high school, where she was a cheerleader and basketball player. In later years, she played softball and even tried roller derby.

Jennifer was always trying to better herself with education. She obtained her certificate for massage therapy, phlebotomy technician certificate and most recently was working toward a degree in Psychology.

One of Jennifer’s first job’s was as a PCA for children with paraplegia. She also worked with children as an activities director at the YMCA for several years and worked at Gerard and IMS. She brought care, energy, and creativity to the roles she held and the people she served.

Jennifer had a love for healthy, real food, though those who knew her knew she also had a playful soft spot for McDonald’s, chocolate milk, cheesecake, and Mama Mia pizza and Greek wings from Steve’s Pizza. These favorite foods, along with her journals, notes, affirmations, and memories, are part of the colorful, human details her family will hold close. In her final journal, Jennifer had written a page about a “last meal,” a memory that especially touched her family because Livianna once shared having a conversation with her mother about what their last meals would be.

Jennifer is survived by her beloved children, Livianna Culbert (father, Kevin Culbert), River Wells and Keanu Wells (father, Skyler Wells); her father and stepmother, Allan and Wanda Hatfield; her mother, Shain Fallstrom; her sister, Holly (Josh) Bollinger; her niece, Brandylee Christenson; her nephew, David Bollinger; and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Freedom Christian Fellowship in Austin. The family will greet people for one hour prior to the service, starting at 11:00 a.m. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Jennifer’s memory will live on in the lessons she taught, the places she explored, the songs she loved, the affirmations she wrote, and the seashells, stories, and little signs of love her family will carry forward.