It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Helen J. Jensen, 100, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
The story begins in 1918, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Helen held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Helen's was one.
Helen J. Jensen, 100 of Viborg died Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Viborg with Pastor Steve Unzicker officiating. Burial will be at the Rosehill Cemetery, Viborg with visitation an hour prior to services. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Helen was the first child born September 8, 1918 to Martin and Lillie (Morrison) Andersen on the family farm near Irene, SD. She was baptized and later confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church were she remained a member until her death. It was here she first met Frank Jensen, Jr. at the young peoples league and later married "Jack", the love of her life, November 28, 1941. They enjoyed 53 years of married life together. They made their home southwest of Viborg on the family farm. To this union, two children were born, Charles and Phyllis. Helen enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening during her lifetime. She loved painting ceramics and created many painted pumpkins for the hospital. It brought her great joy to crochet lovely afghans and baby blankets for the family and friends. Also, she had a great passion for sewing quilts for missions with her friends at the church. Helen was very enthusiastic about the Danish Folk Dancers, which she and her husband directed and enjoyed for 17 years in their retirement; traveling to different locations performing for others. Her home was always a place to welcome family and friends, where she was quick to offer a cup of coffee and lunch. Helen will be remembered by her family for being a loving and kind mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who was always ready to help in any way she could. Her family will always cherish the many memories of her sense of humor and loving kindness. Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Phyllis and her husband Peter Peterson, Grimes, IA; her daughter-in-law, Joyce Jensen, Viborg, SD; 4 grandchildren, Paul (Sandra) Peterson, San Antonio, TX, Penny (Tammara) Nichols-Peterson, Des Moines, IA, Jace (Kari) Jensen, Viborg, SD and Jade Jensen, Viborg, SD; and 7 great grandchildren, J Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Austin Jensen, Logan Jensen, Wyatt Jensen, Sophia Jensen, and Brooklynn Baartman. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Jensen, her son Charles Jensen, and her brother LaVerne Andersen.Memorials maybe directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Viborg.
