Jennifer O'Brien

Jennifer Leigh O'Brien, born to parents Sandra Rae Hathaway Grote and Hans-Harald Grote on February 22, 1964 in Columbus OH, died unexpectedly at home in Potlatch ID on October 11, 2025.

After graduation from Central Bucks East High School, Buckingham PA, she earned a BA In Management from Saint Mary’s College of CA, and later in her life an ME degree in Counseling and Human Services and also another degree which certified her as an Education Specialist in School Psychology from the University of Idaho. Jennifer had an active career in real estate as owner/broker of O’Brien Real Estate and recently at Moscow Realty. She was influential in the local community, serving for many years on the Latah County Board of Realtors as well as the Moscow Chamber of Commerce.

As a mother of two boys, Jennifer was known early-on for being an enthusiastic "hockey mom" and was a board member and volunteer of the Palouse Ice Rink. Her long-time love of dogs and horses, as well as her out-going personality made her well acquainted to many.

Jennifer will be remembered for her ready smile, warm heart, and particularly for her compassion and love for her family. Her last few years, partnered with Larry Leppelman, were particularly happy. She loved her four dogs, wilderness adventures with Larry, and sharing camping, motocross weekends and family occasions with her sons Jesse and Josh, their families, and the extended family. She was blessed with a close relationship with her mother, who died on the same day after a short illness.

Jennifer is survived by her partner Larry Leppelman, sons Jesse Barton [Ashleejean] and Joshua Barton [Kamina], brother Peter N. Grote [Susan] and four grandchildren Zella, Asa, and Tasha Grote and Kash Vesser, father Hans-Harald Grote, step-mother Annabel Grote and step-sister Ellen Vincent.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday November 3, 2025 at Freeze Church in Potlatch. Burial will follow at Freeze Cemetery. A reception will be held at The University Inn - Best Western from 2- 5 p.m.