Jenna Lynne Dare's Obituary
Our beloved Jenna was born on March 15, 1985, to Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Jeanette Downing Burkhalter in Binkleman, Nebraska. Jenna and her siblings were raised in Bird City, Kansas on the family farm. It was on that farm where Jenna learned to tend to the needs of both animals and people. She enjoyed being a Brownie in Girl Scouts. During her school years, Jenna actively participated in the basketball team and found joy in playing the flute for the school band. Upon graduating from high school, Jenna's caring heart led her to college where she became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Jenna was a Nurse Aide at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska. She gracefully assisted her patients with her gentle kindness.
In the course of time, another caring heart entered Jenna's life, and on August 18, 2007, Jonathan Dare and Jenna were married in Thornton, Colorado. Together, this loving couple and precious children designed and built their dream home, "Dare To Dream Farms," in Deer Trail, Colorado. In this home, Jenna was a caregiver to her mother-in-love. Jenna experienced the love of the Lord Jesus when she received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus’ name.
Jenna's sweetness to others was equal to her own inner strength. She bravely and lovingly continued to maintain the farm, homeschool their children, and stand strong despite physical adversity. The Dare family was blessed to have caring neighbors and friends to support them, especially in recent years.
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Jenna was surrounded by loved ones singing, “Jesus Loves Me," as she peacefully passed into eternal life.
Jenna is preceded in death by her mother, Jeanette Downing Burkhalter, and her sister, Alicia Marie Burkhalter Rippe. Jenna is survived by her husband, Jonathan, and their
children, Colin, Abigail, and Skylar; her stepson, Jordan; her dad, Kevin Burkhalter; and her brother, Beau Burkhalter. She leaves behind many wonderful neighbors, friends, and family members.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 2:00pm-3:00pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm at Calvary Church, 5900 E. Yale Avenue, Denver, CO 80222.
What’s your fondest memory of Jenna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jenna?
Share a story where Jenna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jenna you’ll never forget.
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