Jennifer Cisco Riepe died unexpectedly at age 55 on November 10, 2025. She is survived by husband Sam Riepe, son Tiber (Marqui) Cisco, brothers Brad (Sarah) Cisco and Matthew Cisco, nephew Elliott Cisco and niece Elinor Cisco.
Jen was born in Mt Pleasant, Iowa, but her family moved several times through her childhood. They eventually resettled in Salem, Iowa, in her junior year of high school.
Jen and Sam dated throughout her senior year. After graduation Jen spent many years exploring many new homes in New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Washington state and England before returning to Mount Pleasant.
Jen and Sam never lost contact with one another, and in 2011 rekindled their relationship. They married in 2013, and in 2016 she realized a long-time dream when she opened her own antique store.
In 2017 Jen began what was truly her life-long dream: creating The Vintage Raven Kitten Haven. With the help of friend Kate Ridinger, Jen took in hundreds of displaced kittens and young cats, nursing them to health and finding them homes. She did this despite days, weeks and even months of sleepless nights due to bottle feeding and tending to wounds. It became a quiet joke in the Riepe house whenever a kitten was adopted because Jen would cry tears of joy and sorrow simultaneously. She loved them all.
Jen was a person of deep and passionate love and devotion. Her laughter and wit were contagious, her convictions were fiercely defended, and she will live forever in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jen’s name to All God’s Creatures, the animal shelter serving Henry County.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St. Mt. Pleasant, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
