Jenna Lynn Landis

Jenna Lynn Landis, 20, of Ankeny, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Her visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, Iowa. Her funeral service will begin there at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Scott Rains officiating. 

Born April 6, 2006, in Des Moines, Jenna lived in Ankeny throughout her life. She graduated from Iowa Connections Academy in 2024 and was involved with Ankeny Miracle League Baseball, Girl Scouts and Vacation Bible School for many years. 

Some of the memories Jenna’s family holds closest are the simple times they spent together. Her sisters remember watching reality shows with her, talking through everything happening on screen, laughing, cracking jokes, and making TikToks. Her brothers remember all the fun pool days in the summer and the WWE events that they would go to. Her nieces and nephews knew how to make her laugh, too. In moments like these, her family saw the loving, thoughtful person they knew so well. Her family also loved her humor and wittiness. 

Jenna had an artistic streak that showed in the colors she chose for her hair (especially blue). Her favorite colors were blue and purple and she loved butterflies. Music was part of her days, especially Taylor Swift and country songs. She loved a good story, whether it came from a Marvel Superhero, a Disney movie, or the Broadway stage. Of the Disney films, Tangled was her favorite; among Broadway shows, Wicked held a special place. At home, her Squishmallows were another familiar part of her world. 

Jenna’s love of animals found its closest companion in Koda, her black Lab. The two were rarely apart. She cuddled with him every night, and wherever Jenna was, Koda was usually close behind. 

Jenna lived with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, which caused her to lose the majority of her eyesight. Despite the challenges she faced, she brought love and light to those around her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that Jenna is in Heaven now, listening to Taylor Swift and finally seeing the world with her own eyes and being free from all of her struggles. 

Jenna is survived by her parents, Todd and Kristin; brothers Cory (Abby Kopriva) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Jacob (Mallory Schaubhut) of Iowa City, Iowa; sisters Katie, Jessica, and Kelsie, all of Ankeny; grandfather John (Caryll) Marsh of Council Bluffs, Iowa; grandmother Mary Landis of Ankeny; and step-grandfather Ovie Palmer of West Des Moines, Iowa and numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Judy Palmer and grandfather Terry Landis. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Foundation or the Animal Rescue League.