Two weekends ago, Toni Smith-Jensen, a longtime member of the team at Integrity Partner, American Benefit, lost her husband Jeff to heart failure.
Toni and Jeff were together for 34 years and were deeply committed to serving those around them. Jeff was a well-respected Respiratory Therapist at the Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2005, he had a heart valve replacement, but he didn’t let that slow him down — he and Toni completed a marathon just one year later.
It was the first of many more marathons to come. In fact, just last fall Toni and Jeff completed their goal to run 50 marathons in 50 states. Here’s a news article about that special achievement.
Jeff had been scheduled to have his heart valve replaced again in March of this year, but due to the coronavirus situation, the decision was made to delay the surgery to avoid risk of exposure. He was allowed to continue exercising, which was very important to him. When Jeff went for his regular run two weekends ago, his heart valve gave out on him — he tragically passed away while out on the trail.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with Toni and her family during this difficult time. She and Jeff have touched countless lives in their community — and their story has touched everyone in the Integrity family. Integrity has donated to the American Heart Association in Jeff’s name. Our Integrity Family can share condolences, flowers or pay their respects by visiting Jeff’s obituary, here.
Toni has graciously sent us some photos of her and Jeff:
