Jennifer Ann Splittstoesser

Jennifer Ann Splittstoesser, a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend who graced the world with laughter and light, peacefully departed from this life on September 1, 2024, at CRMC in Coffeyville, Kansas. 

Jennifer was born on July 7, 1943, in Wonewoc, Wisconsin to Leonard and Edna (Strampe) Mayer. As a young girl growing up on a farm, she cultivated the seeds of ambition that would ultimately flourish throughout her life. She graduated from high school in 1961 with great determination to set out to find a life that had so much more to offer beyond the horizon of her youth. 

After graduation Jennifer married Robert H. Schulz and the two made their home in Beaver Dam and eventually Lake Mills Wisconsin. Of that union three children were born, Lisa, Penny, and Timothy. The couple later divorced but the love they shared for their children continued. Jennifer later met and fell in love with Clair "Splitts" Splittstoesser. Splitts had accepted a job at Dixon Industries in Coffeyville, Kansas and not to leave Jennifer and the kids behind he proposed, and the two were married on January 23, 1982 in Coffeyville. Splitts, Jennifer and her children made Coffeyville their home. 

 Jennifer, also known as “Lady J”throughout the community, will fondly be remembered as the owner and operator of the beloved Merle Norman Cosmetics and clothing store in Coffeyville. Jennifer launched her entrepreneurial journey in 1983 until her retirement in 2004. Her vivacious spirit and positive outlook on life resonated with all who walked through her store’s doors.  

After stepping away from the world of business, Jennifer found a passion of creativity in quilting. Each quilt she stitched was crafted with meticulous dedication, reflecting both her nurturing spirit and artistic flair. These hundreds of quilts became tapestries of warmth and affection, touching the lives of family and friends alike. 

Traveling throughout the United States with Splitts brought her immeasurable happiness. Together they created a lifetime of memories, each adventure weaving them closer together in a bond that was a testament to their shared love together.  

Being a wife and mother was Jennifer’s proudest accomplishment. She is survived by her loving husband, Clair “Splitts” Splittstoesser, her children Lisa Thompson and husband Monte, Penny Garofalo and husband Daniel, Timothy Schulz and wife Julie, her grandchildren Halley and Nealey Thompson, Sophia and Thomas Garofalo, and Colin Schulz, and her siblings Charlie Mayer and Doris Santas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Mayer and Edna (Strampe) Mayer, along with her siblings Leonard “King,” Donald, Helen, and Colleen each of their legacies live on in the love and warmth she shared throughout her life. 

A memorial service in honor of Jennifer will take place on Thursday September 12, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., in Coffeyville, followed by a time of visitation and light refreshments where the family would welcome you to share our fondest memories of Jennifer. To leave an online message or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com