Lenora Gaynell (Clemenson) Jensen 1926-2020

JENSEN, CLEMENSON, RASMUSSEN

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 10/27/2020 at 15:52:08

Lenora Gaynell Jensen was born October 18, 1926 in Graettinger, Iowa, the daughter of John “Smokey” and Eda (Rasmussen) Clemenson, the second born of six daughters.

She was raised in Graettinger and graduated from Graettinger High School in 1946. After her education she provided childcare for the Adolph and Genevieve Spies family, which she enjoyed. In September of 1946 she provided childcare and light housework for a few months for the Jack and Kate Jackson family in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth Jensen on November 29, 1946 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Graettinger. They began living with Kenneth’s parents until a rental home became available. In December of 1949 Lenor and Kenny started building their home in the east part of town, the previous location of the First Norwegian Church. They were blessed with three sons, Larry, Vance, and Dean. Lenor was a homemaker and helped raise their children.

Lenor and Kenny were members of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger, active with various church activities. While her husband Kenny worked at the Graettinger Light Plant, Lenor was happy being a mother and homemaker. They enjoyed many summertime trips as a family. Lenor also enjoyed playing cards (500) and Thursday night BINGO at the American Legion. She especially loved hosting her children and grandchildren for family gatherings at their home. There were many Sunday afternoon and evening family gatherings at their home.

In 1984 her husband Kenny retired as Superintendent of the Graettinger Power Plant. The first two years following his retirement, Lenor and Kenny spent the winter months in California with their sons, Vance, and Dean, who were stationed together on the US Battleship New Jersey in Long Beach, CA. They spent the following winters in Rio Grande Valley, TX in the Ranchero Village Park.

In November of 1996 Lenor and Kenny celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger. They continued wintering in Texas until 2006. In October of 2006, Kenneth was diagnosed with cancer. On May 18, 2007 Lenor’s husband Kenny died, ending their marriage of 60 years. Lenor remained living in their home in Graettinger and volunteered at the Graettinger Senior Citizens Center. In 2015 she moved to the Windsor Manor Assisted Living in Estherville, Iowa. In 2018 she entered the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, where she remained until her passing on October 19, 2020.

Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Larry, Sr. and his wife, Sherilyn Jensen of Estherville, Vance and his wife, Juliet Jensen of Moreno Valley, California, and Dean and his wife, Dawn Jensen of Emmetsburg; seven grandchildren, granddaughter-in-law, Tammy Jensen of Estherville; Brad and his wife, Janelle Jensen of Sibley, Iowa, Brian and his wife, Jessica Jensen of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Jennifer and her husband, Charles Stewart of Moreno Valley, Christopher Jensen of Moreno Valley, Jamie and her husband, Tony Halbur of Rock Valley, Marie Jensen of Emmetsburg and Allen and his wife, Jenna Jensen of Twentynine Palms, California;13 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Delores and husband Bob Barringer of Spencer, Iowa, Marlys Daniels of Des Moines, Iowa, Judy Garrelts of Ayrshire, Iowa; sister-in-law, Maurine Jacobson and brothers-in-law Jay Reinders of Winnebago, Minnesota and Ken Miracle; many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Jensen; a grandson, Larry Jensen, Jr.; 2 sisters, Elaine Richardson and Kathy Reinders; brothers-in-law, Weldon Daniels, Gerhart Jensen, Bob Beschorner, Ivan Richardson, Richard Jensen, Jack Garrelts; sisters-in-law, Clorine Jensen and Nolene Miracle.

A visitation was held Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Bethel Lutheran Church. A private family service with burial at Valley View Cemetery in Graettinger.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)
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